Community
14 March, 2024
College supports growing green thumbs
TERANG College students have learned more about the natural wonder of plants thanks to a program designed to provide an insight in to the agriculture and the nursery industry.
Last week students enjoyed the centrepiece of the Branch-Out initiative, a hands-on learning incursion, thanks to a visit from garden expert James McLennan.
Students joined together in beginning an experiment in which beans were planted in origami newspaper pots.
The beans were then placed inside shoeboxes with holes strategically cut in different areas to assess how the plants grow towards the light, speeding up the growing process as they get closer to sunlight.
The practical lesson was tied in with learning about natural process such as photosynthesis; how plants use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy in the form of sugar.
The program was part of the Nursery Garden Industry Victoria initiative, funded by The Department of Education and Training, which helps students in Years 7-10 learn more about the world of horticulture through curriculum aligned units or examining local biodiversity.
Among those enjoying the incursion were students Claire and Daniel.
“It’s definitely more fun to work like this than writing in our books,” Claire said.
“This doesn’t give me a hand cramp.
“It’s good to have someone come in and help us.”
Daniel said he enjoyed having the opportunity to delve in to a new topic in a relaxed environment.
“It’s something I haven’t really studied before, so it’s good to try something new,” he said.
“I like the hands-on stuff.”
Victorian Schools Garden Program and Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria consultant James McLennan said he enjoyed the opportunity to work with the students who showed a fascination for better understanding the natural world.
“From my perspective, it's always great to visit secondary schools and engage with the students as apart of these incursions and discuss the potential pathways within the agriculture, horticulture and nursery sector,” he said.
“A driving factor for me is connecting students and people in general to nature and their country - whether that be through plants, gardening, growing food or composting.
“We can all reduce our impacts on the environment and increase our health and wellbeing through gardening and connecting with nature.
“I hope that the students at Terang took something away from the incursion and can change the way in which they live.”