Last night we were at the Environmental Science Night at Orca K-8 in the Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle. This alternative school has one of the most extensive garden programs in the city, with a fully integrated science curriculum and activities from the garden. Students do buddy reading in the garden, learn about recycling and composting, and 4th/5th graders read Michael Pollan’s Omnivores Dilemma for Kids while 8th graders discuss Food Rules.

This May, the school takes experiential learning beyond the classroom and the garden with a “Sustainable Washington Tour.”  Science teacher Kent Daniels will take his students and parents to travel the state to learn about the development of energy and agriculture by visiting organic farms, a solar energy plant, a waste water facility and other sites. According to Kent, “children can see where our energy and food comes from and where waste goes.”

Anthony Warner, the garden coordinator, believes the key to success is having a vision, and ensuring that there is parental and community involvement. “Think big,” he said, “so the program can engage other community organizations and stakeholders.”

We look forward to taking this advice to the Washington Science Teacher Association conference on March 12-14, where we will be a book vendor, and hope to create partnerships to promote food literacy through school garden programs.