We are Gardeners Scientists Artists Designers Storytellers Stewards Problem solvers Critical thinkers Poets Map makers
Our curriculum weaves together urban agriculture ecology, literacy, art, earth science, the culinary arts and nutrition. Our curriculum is thematic, dynamic, fun and empowering!
2014-2015 September : Soil Science: Worms, Compost Critters and soil building Octoberand November: Plant Life Cycle: Parts and their functions, Fall planting, Seeds, Photosynthesis December: Water: Water cycle, Watersheds, rain water catchment, living roof, aquaponics JanuaryandFebruary : Ecology: Food Chains vs. Food Webs, Decomposers, Producers, Consumers, Adaptations, Insect relationships, Fungus March and April: Natural Building and Ecological Design: Earth Bench, Eco-dog cob house May and June: Urban Homesteading and Primitive Skills
2013-2014 Week 1 : Welcome to the garden - food tour and introduction to water Week 2 : Garden Journals - document discoveries, celebrate learning September : Soil Science - observation, experimentation and soil poetry Worms, Compost Critters and soil building October : Seeds ~ Seed Saving, Seed Mosaics, planting fava beans and more! November : Plants ~ Plant parts and their functions PHOTOSYNTHESIS December and January : Weather, Climate and Energy February : ZERO Waste March : Natural Patterns April : Urban Homesteading May : Natural Buildling June : Service + Stewardship and Greening the Neighborhood We are inspired by Permaculture Design! We teach, 'Permaculture for Kids' at Alta Vista School ::: Permaculture is, “a design system inspired by nature which is based on ethics and design principles that can be used to guide you, your household and your community ‘beyond sustainability.” http://permacultureprinciples.com One of the best places to practice Permaculture is in a garden! As a part of our urban garden curriculum we teach the principles and ethics of Permaculture in a kid-friendly, age appropriate way. http://permacultureprinciples.com/principles/