Curriculum Connections

• Science & Technology - Understanding Earth and Space Systems; Understanding Life Systems
• Mathematics - Measurement
   

Character Development

• program emphasizes respect, responsibility, teamwork and co-operation
   

Please be aware that this program is limited to only 20 openings. If you have participated in this program in the past and have received a vermicomposter for your classroom you are NOT eligible for this program. If you have participated in the past and have a vermicomposter that needs help please contact TUSC staff for more information.

 

Morning

In this engaging program, students become young scientists challenged to investigate "What is the best soil for plants?". Using the familiar terms "ingredients" and "recipe" to consider the differences between soil, students work in small groups to rotate through the following activity stations:

• The Dirty Truth: discovering the "ingredients": in "nature’s" soils and what different types of soil (i.e. different "recipes") offer plants
• Common Ground: investigating how plants are adapted to and thrive in different soils (i.e. different "recipes")
• A Model Loam: exploring how "indoor soil" models nature’s soil and the best "recipe" to meet the needs of indoor plants
• Incredible Shrinking Plants: learning about the best "recipe" for gardener’s soil and investigating different methods of composting

By considering the "ingredients" and the "recipes" that produce different types of soil, students begin to understand that there is no one "best" soil!  To continue their investigations at school, students  are given the soil they created at The Dirty Truth to "test" back in the classroom; in addition, to foster the connection between plants and food, each student pots an "easy to grow" herb. Plants are delivered to the school one to four weeks after the visit.

 

Afternoon

 -  After a short introduction, students rotate through four activity stations (supported with instructional videos on iPads):

• No Place Like Home - examining the empty vermicomposter and working together to make bedding for the worms 
• Worm Works - investigating worm anatomy (examining their worms!) and preparing "grit" (crushing egg shells) to aid worm digestion
• Time to Dine - discovering what to feed worms along and preparing a "worm salad" for their "new friends"
• The Real Scoop - examining worm cast and learning how to harvest and use this rich organic matter

The workshop culminates with the building of a vermicomposter for students to care for in your classroom. 
NOTE: The presence of a vermicomposter in your classroom invites many cross-curricular connections and may be used to support your school’s EcoSchool Certification.

 

Because the activities in this program are closely tied to the grade 3 Science and Technology curriculum, the program is NOT recommended for split 2/3 classes.  

 

Program Length: full day 

Availability: winter 

Location: TUSC Greenhouse    We are pleased to announce that there is now barrier free access to the TUSC Greenhouse; contact TUSC for more information.

Fee: $300.00 per class

User fees help ensure the continuation of these learning experiences through partial cost recovery; fee schedule reflect rates subsidized by the Toronto District School Board.

TTC: FREE for kids under 12
 

Maximum 25 students

Because of space restrictions in the greenhouse, teachers wishing to bring classes whose numbers exceed 25, are asked to request TWO bookings; contact the TUSC Office for more information 416-393-0661.