I’ve doubled down since the pandemic and centered my teaching on the science of stress, self-care as a radical act of resistance, and trauma-informed practices.
Category: science practices
Becoming a Botanist: Celebrating Jane Colden
Jane Colden is remembered as the first American woman botanist.
Turning Over a New Leaf
Sensory experience–a hallmark of science, nutrition, and environmental education–is much harder to deliver via screen. However, a few months ago I was inspired me to turn over a new leaf.
When Worm Weather Prevails
These engaging worm tales bring the worms indoors when it rains.
Top Five Reads for Growing a Learning Garden
These formative reads are sure to inspire your approach to garden-based education.
Kick Off the School Year with NGSS-Related Scavenger Hunts and Activities
Focused searching is a great way to engage students in the garden early on in the school year.
Beware of the Red Cage Fungus!
For a unique sensory experience, take a whiff of a Red Cage Fungus.
Aspiring Soil Engineers Design a Perfect Seed Starting Mix
Geotechnical engineering is a specialty area within the environmental sciences that deals with geology and soil. These professional experts analyze the substrate of a site to determine the viability for construction or development based on soil properties. I imagine similar skills are used to make the bagged “soils” we purchase at our favorite garden store…
Garden-Based Learning for Language and Literacy
Teaching students to read, write, and talk like gardeners is key to literacy learning in the garden classroom.
Empowering Youth Leaders with In- and After-School Clubs
Enlisting students during extracurricular times of the school day is a viable way to build youth leaders and maintain a school garden at the same time.
Still Vermi-composting After All These Years: A Tribute to Will Allen
Vermicomposting is a simple, yet rewarding way to teach about decomposition while enriching the school garden.
Underground Teaching Resources for Stewarding the Soil
Soil. It’s everywhere, but few people take notice of this incredible resource right beneath our feet. When people do notice the soil, they often see it as something to avoid. “Don’t get dirty,” they warn young children. With these underground resources, you (and your children) can get all the dirt on soil. Children’s Picture Books…
Embracing a Place-Based Approach in the School Garden
The Power of Place was the theme of Watershed Week 2017.
From the Everyday to the Scientific: How Plants Inspire Kids to Figure Things Out
Nurturing wonder sometimes means stepping into the learner role.
Take Advantage of School Garden Networking Opportunities
This past week offered a whirlwind of activity in the various community groups to which I belong, namely the UC Master Gardeners of Napa County School Garden Task Force and the Napa Chapter of the Farmers Guild. Here are a few highlights, along with a gentle nudge to get involved yourself. The School Garden Task Force was…
Gleaning the Field 