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Goal

Our goal is to expand science, math, technology, and engineering skills for students, while increasing awareness of gardening and promoting a healthier lifestyle. Our current living/garden area consists of several inground garden beds, two rabbits and five hens. Classes collect eggs and chart data, noting the temperature, breed of chicken, and rainfall on egg production. A limited number of students plant and harvest vegetables and sort food products to add to our mulch beds. With your support, Southside would like to increase STEM opportunities by creating a school wide garden and outdoor classroom area. 

What will be done with my students

As a means of educating both teachers and students in the importance of Florida agriculture, students will assist in construction and preparation of various raised beds to expand our current outdoor garden. Students will plant and harvest crops, in addition to participating in learning activities created by "Florida Agriculture in the Classroom". Lessons will be designed around science, health, language arts, math and other subjects using the school garden as their classroom. Local master gardeners and representatives of our agricultural extension office will provide training and guidance for students in planting and managing crops while creating a sustainable garden. 

Benefits to my students

School gardens allow students to apply standards-based education in unique, innovative and engaging ways. Every grade can discover a component of gardening that correlates to curriculum. The opportunity to create new garden beds, outside class seating and the purchase of gardening tools will expand the opportunity for students to increase knowledge in the areas of science, math, technology and engineering in a hands on learning environment. Raised beds will allow more kid friendly gardening with less maintenance. They will help prevent students from walking on the delicate plant roots, clearly mark the boundaries and prevent some soil-borne pest problems while providing exploration and enrichment of current knowledge.
 

Budget Narrative

We will purchase a small tiller to use in our garden as well as a sturdy cart for hauling soil, mulch etc. The remaining money will be used to purchase materials to build an additional raised bed and simple benches for an outside classroom. 

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