Westlake Elementary

With this grant we would like to: 1) add a composting center, and 2) replace our outdated drip irrigation system.

First we will build a three-bin compost-learning center in our garden. Its primary goal is to have students participating in the full garden cycle; planting, harvesting, eating, composting and using compost to amend the soil for the next round of planting.
The three-bin system allows students to engage in each stage of composting: Collecting garden waste for bin one; layering, turning, and monitoring the temperature of bin two; and harvesting the compost from bin three. Students reduce waste and grow their own healthy food in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. With this experience students are more likely to compost at home, reducing waste in our community long-term.

The compost center will also provide new integrated learning opportunities for our students. Students will explore mathematic concepts including tracking, graphing, and predicting as they record the temperature of the compost bins. Science lessons will be integrated so students understand how the temperature of the bins contributes to the decomposition process. Adding the compost center to our garden will bring the full garden cycle to life for our students.

Secondly, we will upgrade and replace our garden’s drip irrigation system, which consists of new drip hoses and timers. Given that water conservation is so crucial at this time, replacing our old system will allow the garden to be more water efficient, particularly during the summer months when students are not using the garden every day. The new drip irrigation system will also provide learning opportunities for students, including discussions about measuring water use and methods of water conservation.