Connecting with Nature: In this segment, students practice principles such as Honourable Harvest, engage in Nature Journaling, and participate in Nature Label Walks and Eco-Detective Scavenger Hunts. These activities cultivate a deep respect for the environment, mindfulness, and a greater appreciation for natural ecosystems. These workshops make environmental learning exciting and impactful, empowering students to become eco-conscious individuals with a creative spirit, problem-solving skills, and a strong connection to nature.
SCHOOL WORKSHOPS
Our school workshops are designed as engaging adventures, providing children with enjoyable and educational experiences that deepen their understanding of nature and the environment.
Soil and Composting: Students will gain a deeper understanding of sustainable waste management and soil enrichment. These activities not only promote environmental stewardship but also empower kids to actively contribute to reducing waste and nurturing their gardens with nutrient-rich compost.
Recycling Workshop: Through activities like Brainstorming Sessions, recycling games students will learn how to approach environmental challenges with innovative, eco-friendly solutions. These sessions promote recycling and upcycling, teaching kids to become proactive problem-solvers in reducing waste.
Planting: Our planting activities include growing both outdoor and indoor gardens, creating Seed Bombs, and understanding the roles plants play in our ecosystem. These activities help students discover the fundamentals of plant care, biodiversity, and the importance of green spaces.
SOIL ADVENTURE
COMPOSTING FIGHTERS
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of soil health in ecosystems.
- Identify the different layers of soil and their functions.
- Learn how organic matter contributes to soil quality and plant growth.
Terminology:
- Soil Layers (Topsoil, Subsoil)
- Organic Matter
- Soil pH
- Soil Erosion
Description: In this module, students will explore soil health independently from composting while still recognizing the vital role of organic matter. .
Hands-On Activity: Soil Exploration:
- Provide students with soil samples from different locations (e.g., garden, park, playground).
- Have them examine the texture, color, and composition of each sample, using magnifying glasses to look for insects and organic matter.
- Understanding Organic Matter: Explain what organic matter is and how it contributes to soil fertility.
Discuss the role of decomposed plants and animals in enriching the soil.
Soil pH Testing:
Show students how to test the pH of different soil samples using simple pH test kits. Discuss how pH affects nutrient availability and plant health.
KIDS COMPOSTING FIGHTERS
Learning Objectives: Understand the process of composting and its benefits for reducing food waste. Learn about the types of materials that can be composted and the importance of a balanced compost pile.
Develop practical skills in creating and maintaining a compost bin.
Terminology: Composting, Organic Waste, Compost Bin, Aeration, and Decomposition.
Description: Show students how to set up the compost bin. If using a DIY bin, guide them through creating air holes for proper aeration.
Discuss the ideal location for the compost bin, such as a spot with good air circulation and some shade. Students will engage in a hands-on composting project, where they will learn to set up and manage a compost bin. They will explore which food scraps and other materials can be composted, understand the importance of maintaining a balanced compost pile, and observe the decomposition process.
Materials: Compost bin (can be a store-bought bin or a DIY version made from a large plastic container with air holes)
- Food scraps (e.g., fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells)
- Yard waste (e.g., leaves, small twigs, grass clippings)
- Shovel or trowel for mixing
- Watering can for moisture
- Labels and markers for tracking
PLANTING
Outdoor Gardening
Learning Objectives
- Understand the process of seed and seedling planting.
- Explore soil composition and its role in plant growth.
- Identify and fulfill the five essential needs of plants.
- Learn about the origins of food and the role of gardening in food production.
Terminology
Seed: The reproductive unit of a plant that can grow into a new plant.
Seedling: A young plant that has emerged from a seed and is in the early stages of development.
Soil: The top layer of the earth in which plants grow, consisting of organic and inorganic materials.
Compost: Decomposed organic material used to enrich soil and provide nutrients to plants.
Germination: The process by which a seed develops into a seedling.
Activity Description: Students will engage in hands-on planting activities in an outdoor garden setting. They will learn how to plant seeds and/or seedlings, select appropriate types of plants based on seasonal conditions and available space, and understand how to care for their plants. Instruction will include soil preparation, watering techniques, and plant maintenance. Students will also be taught about the five fundamental needs of plants: sunlight, water, air, nutrients, and space. Additionally, the activity will highlight the journey of food from the garden to the table, emphasizing the importance of sustainable gardening practices.
Materials: Seeds, Soil, Containers/Garden Bed Labels, Trowels, and Watering Can
Indoor Planters
Learning Objectives
- Acquire practical skills in planting seeds and seedlings in indoor containers.
- Understand and apply the five essential needs of plants.
- Explore the benefits of growing plants indoors, including their decorative value.
Terminology
Seed: A plant's reproductive unit that can develop into a new plant.
Seedling: A young plant that has emerged from a seed and is in its early stages of development.
Soil: The medium in which plants grow, comprising both organic and inorganic components.
Compost: Organic matter that has decomposed and is used to enhance soil fertility.
Germination: The process through which a seed develops into a seedling.
Activity Description: Students will engage in planting activities using indoor containers. They will learn how to plant seeds or seedlings, including the appropriate soil composition and container selection. Instruction will cover the essential plant needs—sunlight, water, air, nutrients, and space—and how to provide them effectively within an indoor environment. Additionally, students will explore the advantages of indoor gardening, such as enhancing interior spaces with greenery and improving indoor air quality.
Materials
- Seeds/Seedlings: Varieties suited for indoor cultivation.
- Soil: Appropriate for container gardening, potentially enriched with compost.
- Containers: Planters or pots suitable for indoor use.
- Watering Can: For consistent and controlled watering.
Seed Planting and Growth Tracking
Learning Objectives: Plant growth cycles, responsibility, and observation.
Description: Students plant seeds in small pots and track their growth over time, learning about plant development and care.
Materials: Seeds, pots, soil, and watering
CONNECTING WITH NATURE
HONOURABLE HARVEST
Learning Objectives: Leave no trace, humans as a part of nature, and team work
Terminology: Honorable harvest, leave no trace, and contract
Description: Students work in groups to draft a list of steps that can be taken by humans to protect nature. The indigenous teaching of the Honourable Harvest and the Leave No Trace principles are explained. As a class, a contract to have a better relationship with nature is drawn up and made to hang in the school.
Materials: Paper and writing utensils
Eco-Detectives: Nature Scavenger Hunt"
Objective: To engage kids in exploring their local environment, increase their awareness of ecological concepts, and promote environmental stewardship through a fun and interactive scavenger hunt. Materials Needed: Scavenger hunt list, Nature journals and pencils, Small collection bags or containers, Magnifying glasses and Binoculars.
Label Nature Walk
Learning Objectives: plant identification, research skills
Terminology: identification, local plants, invasive species
Description: Students walk around and each choose a plant to identify. Once identified, the plant is labeled for other visitors to enjoy.
Materials: labels, writing utensils, and string.