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Health & Fitness

A Garden Grows in Naugatuck

The largest project the NEF has funded to date has been the Community Garden and Outdoor Classroom at Andrew Ave school.  The grant request we originally received was for a greenhouse and garden to be built and used as an outdoor classroom. It was an ambitious project, but one with numerous educational applications ranging from horticulture to agriculture and other scientific research. 

 Garry Meier, a teacher at Andrew Ave, gave us the following update:

 “This summer teachers, staff, and community members gathered to set up our greenhouse and raised beds. Everything went up without much trouble and thanks to everyone we now have a wonderful outdoor classroom. Already several classes have used the tables during their Language Arts blocks. The students love to write in their journals while sitting in the outdoor classroom. The third grade classes have already planted a Fall crop of beets in their raised bed. They have been measuring their growth and graphing the data.”

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 The process of learning goes far beyond sitting in a classroom and listening to lectures.  Scientific research has shown that after 3 days, we only recall 10-20% of what we hear or read.  The retention rate goes up to 65% when there is a visual and verbal component.  The rate jumps to 90% when students can participate in the lesson.  How better to apply science than to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty and learn?

 You can check out the below link for pictures from the site construction this past summer:

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http://www.andrewave.naugatuck.k12.ct.us/?PageName=LatestNews&Section=Highlights&ItemID=139231&ISrc=School&Itype=Highlights&SchoolID=3793

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!  The NEF will be throwing an Eve Before the Eve party on December 28th from 7-12:30am at the Crystal Room.  Come celebrate the New Year a few nights early.  Food, drinks, dancing and fun.  More details to follow.  Space will be limited, so make sure you sign up early!

 

-Matt Fortney

 

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