Posts

The Final

Image
  My Genius Hour project has been incredibly eye-opening and has broadened my perspective on the many opportunities available within a school setting to engage students in meaningful, hands-on learning. Through my exploration of native plants, pollinators, and horticultural practices, I realized that gardening and landscape design can serve as powerful teaching tools not just for Green Industries courses, but across a variety of subjects. For instance, students can learn about biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental sustainability through science connections, while geography can explore how local climate, soil conditions, and native species shape planting decisions. Math can be integrated through garden planning, measurements, and budgeting, and even art can be involved through garden aesthetics and design principles. Additionally, by focusing on maintenance and species selection, students gain real-world skills and a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship. Overall...

How Native Plants Are Reshaping Schoolyards and Minds

"Tell me and I’ll forget, teach me and I’ll remember, involve me and I’ll learn.”   Benjamin Franklin

Roots to Change: Importance of Native Plants

Image
  "To love a place is not enough. We must find ways to heals it."  Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants. 

Growing Biodiversity: How Native Plants Can Transform Our Schoolyards

Image
  Good Evening and Welcome to Growin' with Mackenzie. I'm excited to share my Genius Hour Journey with you. This is a growing space where I'll be exploring the new ideas and big questions and hopefully inspiring other to think different about the amazing world of pollinators and native plants around us.