Several students at Charles Wright Elementary are enjoying a hands-on science activity and reaping the rewards of their hard work. They are part of the garden club, which is offered as an extended day activity for kindergarten through sixth grade students.
With the help of teacher Jaime Enriquez, they are growing marigolds, petunias, onions, tomatoes, and peppers in a garden on their campus. The students planted the seeds themselves and have been tending to their flowers, fruits, and vegetables after school. Some are also able to work on the garden during recess if they choose.
The garden helps the children see firsthand the life cycle of various plants, the impact of sun, soil, and water, and many other science concepts. It also teaches them teamwork, responsibility, and even economics because they will be selling the flowers to their fellow students ahead of Mother’s Day.
Mr. Enriquez says, “Oh they love it…It’s a self-sustainable garden so they’re learning that if we produce some money from the garden it helps us buy more product for the future.”
The students have also had an opportunity to enjoy the “fruits” of their labor. They recently harvested several onions, which they were able to take home.
Student Julieta Juarez Cruz says she loves seeing the seeds she’s planted blossom into something beautiful and enjoys having her efforts pay off in more ways than one. She adds, “I like it because you do learn a lot, and it’s hands-on science.”
The garden club currently has approximately 25 students. It is one of many extended day programs offered at campuses throughout the Merced City School District, which are made possible through the Local Control Funding Formula and Local Control Accountability Plan.
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