Post date: Sep 03, 2012 7:57:22 PM
Fall is coming, and things are starting to change with the gardens!
The plants will soon start to feel the weather getting colder, they will start saving up for next spring.
Students on campus will be starting classes on Wednesday, and some classes will have the privilege of working with the gardens in their curriculum courses. They will use the gardens to see how they can incorporate sustainability and indigenous perspectives into their future classrooms.
I will continue to be around this Fall term, visiting classes to talk about my experiences with the gardens, taking care of the gardens, and continuing to grow in my learning. I am really happy to have the opportunity to keep working with the gardens throughout this term. It will just turn this already-great learning experience into something better.
Looking back on the work I have done over the summer, it has surely been an immense learning experience. I have never before worked with plants so intimately, and it was a great experience to have to care for the plants and monitor their growth over the past few months. Many of the things I encountered over the summer have been new for me, but have added to my growth as an individual, and educator, and a scientist. The lesson plans I have written (but not yet posted) have been great experience for me, as I have written so many different ones. Anything from Communication Technology, to Biology, to Science 7, to the current elementary plans I am working on. It has all been great, and I know they will come in handy some day.
As you are al returning to your normal “school year routine”, I invite you to consider how your experiences with the gardens have altered you. Whether they have simply invited you to consider new ideas or methods of teaching, or if you have implemented these things into your classroom, they have changed something about you. Also think about how you can help the gardens in return... do you have an idea that you think could be implemented? A questions you would like answered? A curriculum topic you would like to see covered?
If this has got you thinking, please let us know. The gardens are constantly growing and improving, and the best way to do that is with your help. Please contact us via Twitter @EdGardens, Facebook (“IndigenousTeaching Gardens"), or email at gardens@educ.ualberta.ca.
All the best to you in the Fall! Please keep up with the gardens into the new year!