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Teaching Kids about Water Conservation

Submitted by pauls on Tue, 03/06/2012 - 16:15

By:

Paul Simon, Landscape Architect

Did you know there is as much water in the world today as there was millions of years ago? Actually, it is the very same water recycled through the hydrologic cycle. The water you drink or use in your garden today may contain the same molecules our ancestors or even the DINOSAURS once drank.

School Gardens = Natural Playgrounds

Submitted by cynthiad on Mon, 08/13/2012 - 15:07

By:

Cynthia Domenghini, NGA Staff

Right Side Box:

Teachers at the K-State Center for Child Development use the produce from the garden to prepare simple dishes with their students. Here’s a recipe for Caprese Salad that is easy to make in a classroom.

Ingredients:

Thick slices of a Ripe Tomato (enough for each child to have at least one)
An equal number of slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
Twice as many leaves of fresh basil
A pinch of salt and pepper
Olive oil

Make sure everyone washes their hands and the work surface prior to touching the food.

Starting at the edge of a serving platter, place a slice of tomato, a basil leaf, a slice of mozzarella and another basil leaf. Continue in that pattern, forming a spiral from the outside in, until all the ingredients have been arranged. The salad should end in the center of the platter. Drizzle the salad with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper and salt.

Upon arriving at the Center for Child Development (CCD) on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, visitors quickly recognize the uniqueness of the facility.

Volunteer Surveys, FREE Download

Submitted by admin on Fri, 05/25/2012 - 15:49

By:

NGA Staff

As a garden coordinator, if you can understand what motivates your volunteers you'll be more prepared to recruit, support and retain a support network. Download Volunteer Surveys(PDF) »

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Exploring Water — Four Lessons to Teach about the Importance of Water

Submitted by cynthiad on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 15:09

By:

NGA Staff

Right Side Box:

Each lesson within this curriculum unit can be taught independently or in succession with the others. Download the lessons below:

This curriculum unit, developed by the education staff at the National Gardening Association addresses the core specific elements of the water cycle for K-12 students. There are four grade specific lesson plans, but the lessons can easily be adapted to meet the needs of any age classroom. Content in the lessons covers different aspects of the water cycle and applying the principles to activities and inquiry that can be discussed in and out of the school garden.

Teaching Kids about Sunlight, Wind & Microclimatic Conditions

Submitted by pauls on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 17:37

By:

Paul Simon, Landscape Architect

Right Side Box:

To learn more about sunlight, wind and microclimatic conditions, download our activity handout.

Throughout the year, the use of the space surrounding your home is directly impacted by the regional climate. It includes hot and cold temperatures, direct sunlight, shade, forceful winds and gentle breezes. The immediate area surrounding the home is called the microclimate.

Mountains as Water Sources - Himalayan Expedition Part 1

Submitted by sarahp on Sun, 08/01/2010 - 19:47

Glaciers on Mount Makalu. Photo: Alton ByersWhen you climb out of the tent this morning, there is a blanket of snow on everything. How beautiful! Although you knew Mount Makalu would be covered in glaciers, you have to admit you're a bit surprised to see new snow. It is the dry season, after all. During the pre-monsoon season (April through early June) and the post-monsoon season (late September through November), the weather is preferable for expeditions.

Mountains as Water Sources - Andes Expedition Part 1

Submitted by sarahp on Sun, 08/01/2010 - 19:45

When you climb out of the tent this morning, there is a blanket of snow on everything. How beautiful! The sun is shining and although the air is cold, you know that by noon most of it will have melted and the mountain people will shed their heavier clothing and seek refuge from the sun.

Glossary

Submitted by admin on Wed, 06/30/2010 - 08:39

Wise Watering

Submitted by editor on Mon, 03/15/2010 - 15:13

Getting Moisture from Spigot to Soil

Water. All living things it need to live and thrive, making it one of our most valuable natural resources. Unfortunately, it's rapidly becoming one of the most endangered. Water shortages loom as growing cities and suburbs bring increased demands in concentrated areas, and droughts threaten various regions every year.

Curriculum Connections

Investigating Heat and Light: The Greenhouse Effect

Most garden coverups operate on the same basic principle. Radiant (light) energy from the sun can pass through transparent and semi-transparent materials. When the light arrives inside a closed space, it is absorbed by the surfaces within, then radiated again as thermal (heat) energy. The heat energy is less able to pass through the materials, so heat is trapped inside.