Garden Science

 Our classes connect kids to nature as they grow edible gardens, natives, and other plants while investigating the outdoor world around them.

Our classes connect kids to nature as they grow edible gardens, natives, and other plants while investigating the outdoor world around them. Students learn about the science behind plants and ecosystems through hands on activities like: plastic bottle aquaponics, vermicomposting, and growing their plants from seeds. Once their crops are ready for harvest, students cook simple, healthy meals with their produce. Several of our garden beds are housed throughout our AISD and DVISD campuses. Our garden beds range from one-three per campus and are filled with vegetables, herbs, and fruits.

4-H CAPITAL was also awarded the Common Threads Grant in both the 2019 and 2020 school year. Because of this grant 4-H CAPITAL is able to achieve the goal to help communities embrace healthy eating and healthy cooking. Due to the grant several of our youth also have the opportunity to participate in the Small Bites curriculum provided from the grant which provides nutrition and knife-free cooking that gives students the opportunity to connect math, language arts, and science concepts to hands-on experiences that will give them tools to live longer, healthier lives.

Throughout our program our classes continuously offer a full garden-to-table curriculum that gives our youth an inside look of where their food comes from.

“What will I be doing as an AmeriCorps Member on the Garden Science team?”

Our Garden Science AmeriCorps Members work together with our Garden Science Curriculum Specialist to assure the smooth roll out of the Garden Science program from M-F. AmeriCorps members are responsible to maintain, harvest, and prepare garden beds at our AISD & DVISD locations throughout their term of service. Our Fall Garden Science youth also have the opportunity to  show plants for our TCYS Youth Fair. Our members are expected to dig up new beds, work in different weather conditions, build from scratch, and have the curiosity to learn the science behind gardening/cooking. While at times it can be tiring it is rewarding as our youth learn that they worked together with you to eat that fresh vegetable.

Essential Functions: Science Instructor Garden Science Team

• Inspire youth to develop into inquiring scientists, citizens of character, partners in service and engaged community members
• Be a positive role model and influence for elementary and middle school aged students
• Members will be working specifically with vulnerable populations.
• Plan, lead, and assist 4-H CAPITAL’s science curriculum in the after school space
• Develop proficiency in teaching and leading groups of youth of up to 16 students
• Implement proactive behavior management systems to ensure a safe and impactful teaching environment
• Assist with building and maintaining garden beds at partner schools
• Responsible for seeds/transplants/trees that will be planted and grown throughout the program year
• Members will work a 9AM-6PM weekly schedule (40-45 hours per week) *GS Team with weekend hrs. to maintain/water garden beds*
• Assist in gathering and reporting data for evaluation purposes including daily attendance
• Willingness to work in an office environment that houses animals
• Working outdoors in various weather conditions with exposure to stinging insects, poison ivy, and other hazards

 

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