Abstract
This paper focuses on the application of the AgroLab Uniandes model as an urban sustainability project. We detail an illustrative case study involving the evolution and continued progression of multiple, non-traditional science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning environments at an urban secondary school campus in Spring 2024. The indoor fresh air project is a collection of full-size indoor and flowering plants that provide an oasis inside Meridian High School and Henderson Middle School. The year-round indoor fresh air project originated in 2021. The project focuses on providing opportunities for students with special needs and mobility impairments. These students work side-by-side with teachers, paraprofessionals, volunteers, and student leaders to conduct weekly plant maintenance of more than 100 plant containers on the Falls Church City Public Schools secondary campus. Student learning experiences include plant maintenance through watering, nutrient management, the removal of dead and unhealthy plant parts, integrated pest management, pruning, and the arrangement of plant materials for aesthetics. Activities are centered on the goals of watering plant materials, managing nutrients, removing dead and unhealthy plants parts, embracing integrated pest management, monitoring plant health, arranging plant materials for aesthetics, and pruning. These environmental-focused ecosystems support integrated STEM learning by aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By providing the direct application of sustainability practices in STEM education through student projects and school courses and activities, the review calls attention to broader issues and topics related to environments that support STEM learning.
Presenters
Ray Wu RorrerEducator, Falls Church City Public Schools, Meridian High School, Virginia, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
STEM EDUCATION, EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, SUSTAINABILITY, VIVARIUM, INTERDISCIPLINARY ECOLOGICAL PRACTICES
