West Point Elementary has had a teaching garden for over 9 years! This spacious outdoor classroom has a variety of plants and gardening elements. In addition to learning where food comes from and how it is grown, students receive hands-on learning experience with the decomposition cycle by collecting food scraps from their lunch, managing compost bins, and turning it into nutrient rich compost to be used in the garden beds. In the greenhouse, students learn to start seeds and transplant young seedlings. For two years running, students have grown vegetable and flower starts for a plant sale to raise money for their garden. Other elements include chickens (the students' favorite), an orchard, other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, and grapes, and herb and flower beds. Nutrition lessons are held in the garden to strengthen the connection between food choices and the nutrients our bodies need. The garden is utilized for multiple education disciplines including art, science, writing, and math. Come get outside with us!