Weaving with Weeds

First graders remove weeds from bed reserved for fruit trees.

They also work to loosen the soil.

 And then later, during recess, other first graders use those weeds to weave.

Students directed Johanna to add more strings.

They saw that the weeds kept falling down...

So they decided it was better to work from the bottom up.  

P.S. Johanna visited school early one morning and saw camera shy\ birds feasting off of the seeds.

An Island of Hope

Last year fourth graders learned about how humans can work to reclaim a body of water such as the Gowanus Canal.  This year they got to see environmentalists at work.  They got to see a floating island launched into the Gowanus.  

Amanda's and Laurie's kids are cheering some rowers on.

What  are they dragging with them?  A floating island.

Voting for different features  to be placed near the Gowanus using tictacs...green for good idea,  orange for so so idea, red for not a good idea. No one wants a parking lot. but playground got a mix of votes.

What is the job of the domed sections of the island?  Ask a fifth grader.now.  Ask a fourth grader later in the year!

 Will be anchored in canal close to 7th Street near the Smith and 9th Street Station.

Thank you Gowanus Canal Conservancy.

And a special thank you to Jessica Roberts of Balmori Design Associates for inviting us to share in this amazing experience and for the terrific photos. 

Gowanus Canal Conservancy Site

Balmori Site

Fifth Graders Begin to Notice and Wonder about the Pollinator Garden Beds

Is it a monarch?

Is it hurt or just resting?

What is inside of the pods?

What are these on the undersides of the leaves?

Fourth Graders--Three Sisters: A Few Images

Saving squash seeds for experiments and next season's 3 Sisters garden

Squash soup, raw beans, and pop corn garnish...A 3 Sisters' Snack

First Graders Explore a Wild Meadow and the Farm at BNS

What are you wondering about?

Mr. Bill listens in to questions:  How do you know if a plant is ready to harvest?

Wild Meadow is Filled with Surprises

Lucky  students have their hand made collection bags to get samples.

Found in the wild meadow....

Found something for the collection bag.

Two scientists check over their lists.

And we were worried about folks respecting the farm...

Maybe a little too much respect?

First day of school:  a view from a kindergarten classroom