SAEP Grant Recipient: Mountain View Tower Garden Project 2022-2023
Project: Aeroponic School Tower Gardens
Mr. Ryan Barfuss - Mountain View School
Goal: To have students make the connection between where their food comes from and how it goes from the garden to their plate while learning new methods of growing food.
Description:
Through the support of the SAEP grant program Mountain View School was able to purchase another tower garden for their school. The Tower Garden has added so much to the school's agriculture program, the Tower Garden sits in the center of their school in the office where all those that enter the school can see it.
The Tower Garden has incredible benefits for all of the students, it is able to grow quicker than a traditional garden because of its aeroponic setup, and it does not use soil. It utilizes aeroponic technology to produce high-quality vegetables for the students and community. Students have not only learned new ways of growing outside the traditional garden, but they have also learned about the hard work that goes into the food they eat. The garden helps students watch the growth cycle of plants, experience new technologies, and has students learn all about essential nutrients. The MVS staff have thoroughly enjoyed the excitement amongst the students as they take great care and ownership over the produce. This project has helped the future generation make the connection of farm to plate. It has also added a huge leadership component with some of the older students assisting and leading out the learning/caretaking with the younger students.
SAEP GRANT CONTACT
saep@westwind.ab.ca
If you are interested in the grant application process or have any questions, please email the address above to get started for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year.
Alberta Education Agricultural Curriculum Links
Tower Garden Info
