SAP Event Barn:
Curriculum and Event Development
Cole Jersey, Kayla Forrest, Marisa Kaddis, Dana Williams, Allysa Babcock
Embedded Files
The Sustainable Agriculture Project at Grand Valley State University is a multi-use space where all in the surrounding community are invited to come and learn about the environment and sustainability (GVSU SAP). At the SAP, there is currently no space to host large events, classes, or even a place to cultivate the agriculture that grows there. The idea of an event barn will allow for all of these ideas to converge in a multi-use space where all are invited to participate.
https://www.gvsu.edu/cms4/asset/208B3312-9458-C8E8-8577A2110A22E294/sap_logo_with_green_cropped%5B1557757489%5D.jpg
For our part in this project, we have thought of different activities and curriculum that can be used in the space for students attending on field trips, or for those in the local community to attend on their own time. The goal of our project was to be inclusive of all ways of life and learning while also trying to spread cultural awareness and expose all age groups to activities in STEM. Inclusivity is about creating a welcoming environment for a diverse mix of people, leaving bias at the door.
https://www.teacheracademy.eu/course/intensive-english-and-classroom-management/
https://www.nps.gov/places/dairy-barn.htm
We have created sample curriculum and event activities that all different age groups can participate in. One of the goals of the SAP is to teach about sustainable agriculture. We kept this goal in mind while creating our activities and tried to include sustainable practices and teachings in all of them. Most activities include an icebreaker, cultural component, and a reflection. Read below to see examples of the different curriculum and events for each age category.
Adult and Grand Valley Students
Adult and Grand Valley Students
Countertop Composting
Icebreakers: Has anyone tried to start an indoor compost before?
Cultural component: Find a video on the indigenous practices of composting
Stem component: Environmental Science, Sustainability
Supplies:
Gather supplies
Container with lid
Drill (scissors might working depending on the material of the lid)
Hot Glue Gun
Mesh Nylon Screen
Shredded Newspaper
Dirt
Kitchen Scraps
Steps:
1) Drill five holes in container lid, this allows air flow and ventilation which is crucial for composting
2) Cut a piece of nylon mesh big enough to cover the holes and hot glue it to the lid (this will keep fruit flies and other bugs out of the container)
3) Add a layer of dirt to the bottom of the container with shredded newspaper on top
4) Fill container with food scraps (try to avoid fats, meat, dairy) organic scraps such as banana peels, apple cores, orange peels, and coffee grounds are good
5) Mix container about once a week and seal the lid tight when you are finished
Reflection: What do you plan on growing with the soil that is produced from your countertop compost?
https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/planting-and-maintenance/best-countertop-compost-bins
High School Students
High School Students
https://plumbertotherescue.com.au/news/blocked-drain-wipes.html
Wastewater Dissolving and Dilution Experiment
Icebreaker: Have students write down how they think the different mixtures will react to being agitated to water and guess which ones are okay to be sent through residential plumbing. When they are done, have them introduce themselves, give one example of something they do that is good for the environment, and give one of their guesses.
Learning Objective: Students will learn the importance of being mindful of what goes down their drains. They will learn how the water treatment process works and proper ways of disposing of waste.
Supplies:
Water
Jars
Toilet paper
Grease
Cooking oil
Flushable wipes
Soaps and other cleaning products
Presentation on wastewater
Means of disposing the wastewater
Activity: Using different commonly flushed, rinsed, or washed items (toilet paper, grease, flushable wipes, etc.) they will add the waste items to a different glass of water and stir/agitate in an attempt to get them to dissolve. As they wait for this process, they will be given information as to how our wastewater is handled and why it is important to think about and care for how they use their water
Middle School Students
Middle School Students
https://www.curiouscuisiniere.com/espumilla-meringue-dessertm/
How to Make Espumilla (Ecuadorian Meringue Cream Dessert)
This is a South American inspired dish, delicious and easy to prepare. This dish is meant to cost less than other desserts and also lasts longer in the summer. Students should be able to enjoy sweet snacks no matter economic status and these ingredients encourage healthier habits while also being cost friendly and fun to make.
Icebreaker: Write down one food for each letter in the alphabet
Example: A = Apple, B = Banana, C = Carrot, etc…
STEAM Component: Measuring (Math), culinary science
Supplies per group of 3:
2 egg white*
¾ cup sugar*
¼ cup fruit pulp - fruit of choice
3 Ice cream cones
Sprinkles (optional)
2 spoons
2 bowls
Electric mixer or a hand whisk
Ricer or masher
Steps:
1) Take fruit of choice and mash in one bowl until reaching a pulp like consistency - about 5 minutes.
2) Whisk egg whites and sugar in a separate bowl until smooth (sugar is dissolved and eggs are white and creamy).
3) Mix in fruit pulp and whisk for 5 to 7 minutes until a white whipping is formed with stiff white peaks.**
4) Serve in ice cream cones or a bowl with sprinkles (optional).
*Sugar or egg substitutes may be used for those with allergies
**This may require adult help
Reflection: Does this resemble similar foods made in the United States (like ice cream)? Why is this a more popular dessert option than ice cream, especially in hotter climates?
Elementary Students
Elementary Students
Making Seed Bombs and Learning about Michigan's Wildflowers
Icebreaker: Ask students if they have a favorite flower! If they do not know, have the students draw out what their favorite flower would look like. In doing so, ask the students why flowers are important.
STEAM Component: Biology, environmental science, botany
Cultural Component: Discussion based on native wildflowers in Michigan. Show pictures of native flowers and plants, such as milkweed, black eye Susan, or wild bergamot
Materials:
Blender
Recycled paper
Bowls
Native flower seeds
Paper towel or reusable towel
Steps:
1) Instruct the students to tear up about three pieces of recycled paper of any color and place them in a bowl.
2) Pour water over the torn-up paper and let the paper soak for about twenty minutes.
3) Once thoroughly soaked, help the students blend up their soaked paper in a blender, place it back into the bowl. The paper will be a pulp-like consistency.
Note: the paper can be in multiple colors, as long as it is biodegradable.
4) Instruct the students to place seeds into their paper mixture and gently mix the two together
Note: a half packet of seeds will suffice for about two seed bombs
5) Pour the paper mixture and seeds into individual balls, gently pressing any excess water out.
6) Wrap the balls in a paper towel or reusable towel and let dry.
7) Inform the students that they can throw these “bombs” in places without grass or greenery.
Reflection: Why are flowers important? What did you learn about planting flowers today? Share with the class where you think you will throw your seed bomb.
https://www.naturalbeachliving.com/how-to-make-seed-bombs/
Other Curriculum and Event Ideas
Cooking Classes!
Invite those in the community to participate in learning about food in different cultures. Pictured here is Hummus, a simple dish able to be made by items grown in the gardens.
https://www.themaasclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/MaasClinicHummus1.jpg
At Home Gardens!
Teaching those of all ages how to cultivate food for the table. Young kids can learn how to cultivate seeds while learning about what it means to sustain life while adults can learn how to make gardens to keep around their homes.
https://www.hobbyfarms.com/milk-crate-garden-grow-vegetables/
Reduse, Reuse, Recyle!
Learn how to upcycle items around the home. Students, especially, can come to learn what items around the home are able to be recycled. Turn trash into treasure -- like a bird house out of an old 2-liter or artwork to hang on the walls.
https://www.babobotanicals.com/blogs/news/recycling-for-kids
References:
https://www.gvsu.edu/sustainableagproject/
Bowen, L. (2021, November 13). Espumilla (Ecuadorian meringue cream dessert). Curious Cuisiniere. Retrieved March 24, 2022, from https://www.curiouscuisiniere.com/espumilla-meringue-dessertm/
Noll, M. (2019, February 26). How to Make Your Own Indoor Composting Bin. Retrieved March 25, 2022, from https://www.bhg.com/gardening/yard/compost/diy-indoor-compost-bin/
How to Make Seed Bombs for kids - easy DIY Seed Bombs Recipe. (2020, January 24). Natural Beach Living. https://www.naturalbeachliving.com/how-to-make-seed-bombs/
(Blocked Drains from Wipes, n.d.) https://plumbertotherescue.com.au/news/blocked-drain-wipes.html
(“‘FLUSHABLE’ Wipes,” 2020) https://cainsableplumbing.com/2020/04/07/flushable-wipes/
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