STEM in the Garden
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Experts from each subject work together in solving the world's greatest challenges. It is not about being an expert in each. It's about growing and gaining a transferable skill set, a way of thinking and doing things. STEM matters because Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are all around us affecting every aspect of our lives daily. Scientists hypothesize, analyze and evaluate what they discover. Scientists' research and study varies from marine biology (life underwater) to conservation science (ways to improve land while safeguarding the environment, crops and food supply). Technology can make our lives better. Specialists and designers work together to make everyday tasks more effective, efficient and exciting. Engineers are problem solvers who work on some of the world's greatest challenges like exploring outer space with satellites, sensors and robots. Mathematicians develop computational methods for solving problems that occur in the areas of science and engineering. Discovering STEM in the Garden In any garden, we can find flowers, fruits, vegetables and insects. Each of these are living, multicellular organisms that have 3 qualities necessary for life: nutrition, interaction and reproduction. Plants produce their own food by interacting with things in their environment such as water, soil and the sun. Most plants reproduce by flowers which produce seeds. The seeds are replanted, and we see the lifecycle of that plant continue. By simply collecting and planting seeds, we take part in the science of gardening. All things STEM work together for the good, even in the community garden. Lauren Louisaire, B.S. Mechanical Engineering Youth STEM Advocate
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Seasons Change... A Message from our Compliance Officer
As the day ends, I wanted to let you all know that despite the challenges; all things work together for the good. You may find yourself reflecting on today and feel that it was not how you anticipated the day would happen. That is the beauty and the beast of life. Thankfully, we aren't privy to every moment in the future. This would surely fuel our days with anxiety and render sleepless nights. For our sake, we live our days as they come to us and make the best decisions we can make with the information we have. As you end your day, reflect on the bitterness of today, but only briefly. Tomorrow will take care of itself, as long as you take care of you and WE take care of each other. Be well, A.Moore,JD M.A.C Garden Compliance Officer All community gardens have basic needs and share common challenges, but they are unique garden communities. They result from the skills, talents and contributions of their local community in building both the garden and the community around the garden. Gardens are important to the social and natural landscape of their communities. Community gardens connect people to the soil and is an important vehicle for understanding how nature operates; it shapes perceptions and values of the natural environment, fostering a respect that will ultimately reduce pollution and provides much needed green space in within densely populated inner city communities and provide access to space for growing plants and vegetables. Like Parks, community gardens provide a public green space and provide a sense of a shared project that inherently builds connections and community.
The historical evolution of a community showcases the strength of its inhabitants. A healthy urban landscape proves to be an asset providing benefits to its community. Research has shown that the inception of community gardens have proven to reduce illegal activity such as dumping and/or drug activity, increase property values, neighborhood development and increased immunity from crime.This information supports other studies that found that signs of neighborhood stabilization may often lead to a perceived reduction in crime and suggest that solutions to negative inner city condition can be influenced by residents through the cultivation of feelings of well-being. J. Kuykendall, M.S. M.A.C. Garden Founder |
AuthorM.A.C. Garden Archives
September 2020
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