Author: beondrak

CLK Elementary

Learning by Doing and
Serving the Community
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Community Partners
Pat & Gary Hughes, Hughes Organic Farm
Carol Kreher, MSU Extension
Pat’s Foods
Great Explorations, BHK Summer Program

Sharing locally grown apples with everyone!

Student Learning Outcomes

Students learn how to plant a vegetable garden, providing adequate water, sun, and soil fertility using organic & permaculture gardening methods that minimize environmental impacts.
They are encouraged to have gardens at home over the summer to grow vegetables for their family that will contribute to their overall health and well-being.
Students compare social, environmental , and economic trade‐offs of eating locally grown, organic food versus food imported from other US regions and continents.
They learn about the different sources of waste and where it goes. They also learn how to reduce waste through pre-cycling, recycling, and composting.
Students will research, develop, publish, and disseminate a directory of sources of locally grown foods: vegetables, fruits, honey, maple syrup, meats, milk, etc. that can be distributed to residents throughout Houghton and Keweenaw Counties.
They will prepare healthy meals and snacks using locally grown foods.
Non-renewable wastes, food, and paper wastes will be reduced in the CLK Elementary cafeteria.
All will participate in a pilot composting program to learn how food waste becomes fertilizer, and can reduce waste going to the local landfill.
Informed decisions are made about the food students consume in regard to their personal health, the economic good of the community, and the Lake Superior watershed.

CLK Elementary
2008 - 09
School Year Team:
121 Students
7 Teachers
5 Classrooms
Kindergarten and grades 2nd—5th

“I like going outside instead of reading about science indoors. You can learn by doing”
Deb, 6th grade
“Wilderness is better than a textbook”
Clarence, 4th grade
“What I like about this project is going on field trips & learning how to use the GPS. I also enjoyed making the slide show presentation.”
Sarah, 8th grade
er
Sara

Each participating LSSI classroom visited Hughes’ Organic Farm.

“The overall goal is to instill a feeling of stewardship for the Great Lakes.”
Darrrell Hendrickson - science teacher & project coordinator

“Composting is good for the environment; everyone should try it. It could save you money, too!”
- Mitchell, 4th grader
Sorting garbage during the waste assembly.

Learning Objectives: Students will….
learn to make healthy eating choices;
be able to explain where their food comes from;
describe the social, economic, and environmental consequences of different food choices and be able to make informed decisions;
compost their food waste at school;
work to reduce classroom waste;
inform the community about the importance of saving energy and reducing air pollution related to food choices; and
communicate to their fellow students about the benefits of eating and buying locally grown goods and produce.

2009-2010 School Year Project Timeline

Teachers plan & develop projects

Composting Kick-Off

Heritage Garden Party Work Bee & Celebration Community Event

Summertime!
Great Explorations tends the garden

September October November December February March April May June July August

2009

Classroom waste and recycling lessons.

Junior Master Gardener Classes 3rd—5th

Recycling & Waste Reduction Kickoff
Visits to Pat’s Foods

Classes plant garden beds.

2010

CLK Elementary ▪ September 2010