Garden Expansion for Sustainability Solutions

We revamped our Ethel Street Garden last year and opened it up to all students at our school. Our TK-2nd grade classes have been rotating through the garden with a trained Garden Ranger. It is now time to expand the garden to more easily accommodate our 3rd-5th grade classes. We are looking to add more seating for students, 2 new raised beds with native California plants, and a compost area where we will teach students how to turn food waste back into nutrient-rich soil.

We are a public charter school with a focus on Science, Technology, and Art. This project supports our Science Program. We view science education is a doorway to developing curiosity, global awareness and critical thinking. We meet our students needs by:
1. Early adopter of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
2. Students’ science knowledge needs to be assessed prior to the 5th grade standardized assessments in order to ensure students are on track to have the science skills they will need in middle school.
3. The engineering components in the Next Generation Science Standards develop key critical thinking and problem solving skills that will serve students in all aspects of life, no matter which career they choose.

100

Students attended

10

Staff attended

70

Additional Volunteers attended

540

Students will be impacted this year

Intended impact of project

Reduced environmental impact
Increased environmental & sustainability literacy
Reduce landfill waste