Grade 5: Seeds of Change
Throughout the year, students have cared for hydroponic Tower Gardens across campus, planting seeds, monitoring water and nutrient levels, and tracking plant growth. The work connects to lessons on sustainability, food systems, and access to fresh produce, while also building responsibility and ownership.
Along the way, students celebrated milestones like harvest days and salad parties, where they enjoyed the produce they had grown. Their work also extended beyond campus, as the greens were shared with local food pantries and soup kitchens during Grade 6 service learning visits.
This April, students welcomed a guest speaker from Altius Farms, a local urban farming organization. During the visit, students learned how Altius uses hydroponic systems in large-scale growing operations and what they produce. They also learned about an opportunity to add more Tower Gardens on campus through Altius.
Students are currently reflecting on their experiences this year and developing proposals to expand the Tower Garden program. They will present their ideas to Head of School Josh Cobb this May, advocating for additional Tower Gardens on campus as the program continues to grow.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
