Grant K-8 Gecko Garden

Grant’s Gecko Garden is an “outdoor laboratory” funded by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) with oversight from the science lab coordinator and assisted by dedicated teachers, parent room parent representatives and volunteers.

The goal of Gecko Garden is to provide students with a hands-on, standards based curriculum in a school-wide project that connects students with their environment and promotes good nutrition. For years, the garden has been a source of enjoyment for all grade levels as well as being an integral part of the Mission Hills Garden Club’s annual May garden tour.

The Gecko Garden team has developed a comprehensive curriculum for all grade levels to help integrate classroom and outdoor activities. This has been, and continues to be a major effort by hard-working and committed individuals, and will lead to the development and fruition (pun intended) of a significant learning environmentf or the students and faculty of Grant School.

To summarize the curriculum: kindergarten classes learn about the fundamental of using garden tools, plant life cycles and insect observation. 1st and 2nd grades observe life cycle of plants and insects, journal documentation, recycling and garden projects. 3rd grade classes observe life cycle of plants, animal habitats and make monthly journal documentations. 4th and 5th grade classes are in charge of the composting and vermicomposting. 6th grade classes work with the soil composition, erosion as well planting produce.The 7th and 8th grade classes will be assisting in the garden and will be responsible for organizing and running the Farmers Market in the Spring.