In Environmental Science 12, students investigate water quality, global climate systems and soil health. They also explore environmental ethics and sustainable land use, which is essential to meeting the needs of our planet’s growing population. This past year, the Morven garden provided a unique opportunity for students to do some hands-on learning through a Soil Lab Project.

 

The project began with students visiting Loutet Farm, where they learned about the benefits of community gardens in an urban landscape and strategies for maintaining healthy soil. Students were then assigned a specific plot in the school garden and were connected with the plot’s volunteer gardener. (The Morven garden is separated into different plots, each cared for by a volunteer member of Collingwood’s staff and faculty in the style of a community garden.)

 

Students then conducted nine different tests to evaluate the condition and quality of the soil in the plot. They analyzed the amount of free carbonate in the soil, which helps buffer pH and stabilize the soil’s structure. They made physical observations to determine the soil’s consistence and texture and how well suited it would be to support root growth.

 

Using a soil test kit, students performed a laboratory analysis to determine the soil’s fertility by checking pH levels and measuring nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They also measured the soil’s water content, permeability rate, dry-percolation rate and porosity. Once the soil analysis was complete, students were tasked with providing a report to the plot’s manager in the form of a video that explained their findings and provided recommendations for improving the soil.

 

Students provided a table of their lab results that included an explanation of what the results indicated, how the results compare to high-quality soil and recommendations to ameliorate the soil.

 

For example, if the soil was deficient in potassium, the student recommended adding potash to the plot’s soil. Or, if the soil’s percolation or permeability rate was too low or too fast, the student would recommend adding clay or sand, depending on the situation. If there was little or no organic matter in the soil, the recommendation would be to add humus or suggest that the plot’s manager begin a composting operation. If the garden plot had excellent soil, the student explained its positive attributes in detail and how to maintain its quality.

 

The project culminated in the students returning to the garden plot to weed it and add soil amendments so it would be ready for planting. For many of the students, this was their first experience ever working in a garden.

 

“I really enjoy the level of layers in this project and the learning by doing, community building and relationship building within the school as well as literally, the students getting their hands dirty.”

- Katie Field, Morven Science Teacher and Sustainability Coordinator

“This was such a great example of real-world learning. It was fun to see students collaborating to apply their recommendations to improve the soil and getting involved in planting the garden. It was also a really valuable learning experience that demonstrates how sustainability supports the well-being of self, community and the planet.”

- Mike Olynyk, Morven Director of Teaching, Learning & Innovation