By Rosalind Russell – Rainbow District School Board challenged staff and students to grow an indoor garden this month.
Education director Bruce Bourget says the Spring has Sprung challenge provides students with authentic hands-on experiences in growing indoor plants while understanding the science behind it, such as photosynthesis and climate influence.
He adds there are also health benefits of reducing stress and supporting environmental wellness.
The Environmental Committee issues monthly challenges to schools throughout the year to broaden the scope of education and sustainable action.
He says to prepare, schools were given a variety of resources including a starter guide to growing seeds indoors, and information about heirloom seeds – plant seeds that are preserved for their value and carefully passed down through generations.
Bourget adds students are also taking in agricultural innovations practiced by diverse Indigenous communities.
He says schools were provided with stories and videos about “The Legend of the Three Sisters” – an important Indigenous tale of how corn, bean and squash crops came to be grown together – one of the many agricultural innovations practiced by Indigenous communities throughout North America.
He says the students are also learning about climate change, photosynthesis, pollinators and the healthy benefits of plants.
Photo: Schools were provided with stories and videos about “The Legend of the Three Sisters” – an important Indigenous tale of how corn, bean and squash crops came to be grown together – one of the many agricultural innovations practiced by Indigenous communities throughout North America.