SES summer camp

I spent a few days working with students in District 196.  I worked with English Language Learners in elementary grades.  The summer camp was held at the School of Environmental Studies in Apple Valley.  The students had a blast learning about gardening and where food comes from.  Then they decorated their own pots and each planted a pepper plant to take home.  We learned about composting and met the worms that make it happen.

Some of my favorite quotes:
Working with a fourth grade student:
"Okay kids, we only have about 5 more minutes of decorating our pots and then we have to clean up."
"Awww man!  I just realized how fun this was!"

When planting our pepper plants, a second grader says, "I have a bees nest by my house."
"Oh, are you afraid of it?"
"Well, I used to be but then I was glad they are there because now they can pollenize my plants."

The students loved working with hands on activities and learning about the garden.  I have attached some pictures of the garden.  It is the model I have based our STEAM community garden on.