Growing Minds

I believe that children learn best through hands on activities. By becoming an active participant in an activity children grasp concepts and gain an appreciation far beyond any text book could provide. This idea is best carried out through the learning of science. When children experiment with a variety of materials they learn about their world.
I have always enjoyed growing a variety of plants in my garden. I find that children can easily take pleasure in planting and gardening while learning new concepts in science. If it is possible to use a part of the school grounds for planting it would yield positive outcomes for the students while providing a pleasant landscape. Children delight in watching their efforts produce a flower or even fruits and vegetables. They can learn how plants reproduce, what conditions work best for different plants and where our food source comes from. If planting on school grounds in not an option students could also greatly benefit from planting indoors near a window. They can experiment with different seeds, soil types and amounts of water and discover what helps their plants produce better results.
Even as an adult I am still experimenting in my garden. I have tried some new ways to naturally repel bugs without using harmful chemicals. Because I am still experimenting I cannot say what works best, but I am enjoying learning through experimentation. I can say, however, that I am trying out biodegradable materials such as onions, peppers, and other spices that bugs seem to dislike.
Children can learn to protect our planet and produce food for the future. By allowing them to experiment they can learn for themselves how nature works and perhaps they can invent their own recipe for a cleaner and healthier future.