Gardening

Through a fruitful partnership with EnrichLA , students at Angeles Mesa and D.R.E.A.M.S. Magnet have hands-on experiences in the garden to understand the sowing, growing, and harvesting process of whole foods. Garden Rangers from EnrichLA introduce children to delicious fresh snacks and recipes from the garden. Children begin to understand the properties of soil, the influence of living organisms on various crops, how to maintain and care for plants, and various benefits of plants on our bodies when consumed as whole, raw foods.

Incorporating STEAM (Science, Technology, Art, Engineering, and Math) in direct connection with the garden curriculum, children will discover the content of each subject area as it is related to gardening. Specifically, students will spend time investigating garden design. Technology could be used as a research tool, as well as for understanding specific aspects of gardening, such as sunlight and PH. From a social justice lens, children learn about the socio-economic and political perspectives of fresh, whole foods versus processed foods. Children will see the connections between Math and Science in the garden, and use mathematical skills to more deeply understand ideas.  EnrichLA will also engage the parent community through volunteering and workdays.