Soil Sampling at Lincoln Elementary
During our visit on Friday, March 27th, we were able to collaborate and share ideas with the students participating in the after-school program at Lincoln Elementary. Having the opportunity to work with these kids and get them excited about something that the world needs to know about; it gives you a great feeling. Having the opportunity to see them a second time-and them remembering your name and being excited to see you? That's the true joy of this experience.
Lincoln Elementary School Source: Google Images |
Having a laugh while taking samples from the garden |
You can clearly see from these images that there is a difference in both the composition as well as the color of the two soils being sampled. The soil from the garden is also primarily rid of unwanted plant life while the soil of the lawn is filled with grasses, weeds and various debris.
Once we were able to speak with the kids we discussed the coloration of soil, and had them. One student in particular was extremely enthused with the presence of a worm in the soil sample we took. Discussing the importance of these creatures led to the conversation of which soil they thought would be best. Without a question the soil from the Garden won. These kids knew-without any scientific reasoning- that the darker more "together" soil was better for growing vegetables.
Source: Google Images |
Worms got the kids excited about sampling soil!
I would say that overall this was a great experience for everyone involved. The students from Lincoln gave us great energy, and I can't wait to see them again! It will be really great to expand this effort and give back to the community through the planting and management of a community garden. Not only will it provide fresh vegetables in a food desert, it will also teach the kids: the importance of soil quality, the impact the environment has on food, the care it takes to grow food, the joy of a job well done!
Hannah Kirk
Maggie Peale
Maggie Peale
Grant Blanton
Scott Sholar
Scott Sholar
Sources
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/edu/?cid=nrcs142p2_054286
http://www.organicriskmanagement.umn.edu/soil_health3.html
http://www.ecochem.com/t_soil_aeration.html
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