Eco-literacy: Mysteries of the Garden
Eco-literacy: Mysteries of the Garden
Eco-literacy introduces students to sustainability, ecological ethics, native and domestic habitat, and organic gardening techniques. The class will discuss issues having to do with the food we eat, the clothes we wear, our built environments, energy sources, water and the natural environment are all addressed here early in the middle this interactive ecology education class.
Phase 1: Introduction and Theory
Participants will explore the theory and practice of:
- Soil: content and types, microbes, drainage, types of garden beds.
- Planting: Organic Gardening techniques, life cycle of plants, flower dissection.
- Bugs: Good bugs for the garden, Bees, pollination.
- Harvest: Solstice and Equinox, seed collecting, storage.
- Sustainability: Native and domestic gardening, healthy eco-systems, urban ecology, seed collection, cloning, eco-technology.
Phase 2: Practical Experience: Mysteries of the Garden
Students will work in groups with the guidance of the instructor as they propose, design and build a section of community garden space. The students work within the themes they have learned, applying techniques directly in the garden and in the field.
Students will have an opportunity to visit a local organic farm where they can see how sustainable practices are working locally in our community.
Phase 3: Finishing Process and Perspectives
An locally collected meal will be created by the students, where they will learn how to prepare, the fruits of their harvest. Parents, Guardians and siblings are encouraged to participate in the final feast.
