Montessori School of Evergreen
We are very proud to have been involved in the development, funding and building of this greenhouse.
- This is a geodesic dome greenhouse 22 feet in diameter with triple wall polycarbonate glazing for year round gardening.
- It was constructed in May, 2004 by middle school students from gardening elective classes.
- It is currently experienced and enjoyed by all ages of students: pre-school through 8th grade
To view a photo slide show of this greenhouse dome click here for a Flash Gallery and here for a html Gallery.
OBJECTIVES
- To create an ongoing experience in gardening by, with and for the students of the school.
- To involve students in the complete process: site selection, design concepts, design and construction of the greenhouse, planning a planting scheme, planting, caring for and harvesting their crop, determining what the end products will be used for, etc.
- To have the students document the complete process via photography, videography, creative writing, publication production, etc. so that eventually they in turn can work with another school community (possibly the Southern Ute Montessori school in Ignacio) to go through a similar experience.
- To create a self-sufficient growing environment as part of the new emphasis of a Greener school. The structure should be off-grid. Electricity can be provided by photovoltaics, water collected from roof of greenhouse and school when possible, etc.
The Greenhouse Project is a multi-disciplinary project involving science, mathematics, cooking, humanities, computer, art and languages. It should be integrated whenever possible into classes throughout the greater school community.
This project is a natural follow up to the Pennies for Peace project, encouraging networking with other Montessori schools nationally to benefit children and schools in other cultures and countries that have greater needs for basic survival requirements.
SITE: Although ultimately the students will go through the site selection process to determine solar exposure, wind and drainage considerations, foundation requirements, etc. we have found two sites that are possibilities:
- South west of the proposed swing installation
- On top of the hill at back of property between Marshdale playground and the middle school basketball court
SUGGESTED TIMELINE
- Talk to middle school staff on Friday, August 20 planning meeting about the project to get their support, find out their ideas and interests.
- Give a short presentation at the Full Staff Meeting on September 1 to the rest of the school’s staff, again to garner support and ideas.
- Present idea to middle school students during the Environmental Day first week of school.
- Students begin working on the project after Seacamp, either as a group of interested students, a Greenhouse Club, perhaps, or Integrated into math and science classes initially for site selection, design and eventually construction.
- Have foundation dug and in place before ground freezes.
