4-H Student Farm is an after-school program that has inspired students to engage in healthier eating habits and learn where their food comes from. The six week program also provides an opportunity for middle schoolers to acquaint themselves with agriculture. The students follow a curriculum that touches on the agriculture industry, the complexity of good soil, importance of pollinators as well as the practices of planting and harvesting.
When asked about their experience with the program, students had this to say...
“I loved the planting and outdoor activities, my favorite subject we learned was the one about pollinators. I wish I could come back next year.”--Morgan
“My favorite part of student farm was the planting outside, and I enjoyed learning about pollinators. I look forward to coming back next year.”--Destiny
“I thought the pollinators were interesting and it's cool that some only fly at night. My favorite thing to do was the cooking activities, I can't wait to come back next year.”--Louie
Twelve students from Ventura Unified School District participated in...
Attached Images:
Students work in groups to properly lay irrigation tape
Picking weeds and planting lettuce
Planning appropriate distance and depth for planting basil, thyme, chamomile and oregano seedlings
Handling seedlings with care
Learning about California native plants and how they may have been used by the Chumash
Observing native plants
Learning how to start and maintain a healthy worm composting bin
Students work together during cooking activities. Making rainbow wraps
Working together and learning about the importance of eating vegetables
Cooking activities are a part of each meeting