Seeds of Innovation
Exciting things are happening at Southside Middle School. Roza Selvey, a sixth grade teacher of Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Engineering (STEM) is using horticulture as a foundation on which to build her students’ skill sets.
“I wanted the students to apply STEM subjects to real life,” said Selvey. “My hope is that they will leave the classroom not just with academic skills, but with the ability to improve their lives and communities. I hope they are inspired to grow some of their own food and make sustainable choices.”
Shoveling compost
Forging Partnerships
Selvey’s integrated approach to education emphasizes STEM within a holistic curriculum where students model environmental stewardship, healthy lifestyle choices, and responsible citizenship. To this end, Selvey has mobilized resources throughout the community. Delaware County Master Gardeners have engaged the classes in designing butterfly gardens for the school courtyard, and Ball State graduate student Hannah Killian is leading the charge in a study connecting healthy lunch choices and vermicomposting.
Students fill raised beds to 8 inches.
Little Beginnings
Most recently, on November 2, students designed and constructed raised garden beds. With materials donated from Minnetrista, CVS, and local salvage supply store Rebuilding Our Community (ROC), Selvey’s class laid the foundation for a future food garden. This project required students to apply geometry skills to real life situations, while reinforcing environmental stewardship and community involvement.
“Everything was recycled,” said Selvey. “ROC donated wood reclaimed from local buildings, Minnetrista brought compost, and CVS provided cardboard for the base of the beds. I want to empower my students to make use of the resources around them to create positive change.”
Southside students lay out raised beds.
Big Dreams
This is only the beginning. With the support of Southside principal Kelli Turner, Selvey hopes to expand the food garden by connecting existing greenspaces with new garden areas that are being developed, into a dynamic outdoor classroom.
She also hopes to reconstruct the once state-of-the-art Southside greenhouse, which is in need of repairs. A new greenhouse would enable students to continue horticulture projects throughout the winter and could serve as a resource for community garden organizations.
When asked about her hopes for the future Selvey said, “Most of all, I want students to walk away with the tools to succeed. As we continue to grow, I welcome other teachers and community members to share in this project. When we work together, anything is possible.”
Southside students show off their gardening hands!
