Okima West and Kate Rambo, both 10, look at the tomato plant they planted Wednesday in Loan Arkenbergs fourth-grade class at Arthur Elementary School. Kate said that she enjoys watching their seedlings grow, and noted how unpredictable the plant growth can be. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Kate Rambo (10 years old) listens Wednesday to Cheyenne Marion (10 years old) talk about the Terrariums her class planted as Mothers Day gifts. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Treyvon Hawkins (9 years old) points out his seedling Wednesday as he talks to his classmates in Loan Arkenbergs fourth-grade class at Arthur Elementary School, Cedar Rapids. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
A hydroponic tomato plants sits under lights Wednesday, next to a diagram showing the terrarium method in Loan Arkenbergs fourth-grade class at Arthur Elementary School in Cedar Rapids. The class has been growing plants in a terrarium constructed from soda bottles. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
Lucy Aiels, fourth grader at Arthur Elementary, and OkimaWest, right, look Wednesday at several plants they planted for Mothers Day. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
CEDAR RAPIDS Arthur Elementary School fourth-graders enjoy tomatoes straight from the vine, grown in the classrooms’ hydroponic garden, a method of growing plants that doesn’t require soil.
Arthur Elementary has been fortunate to be able to purchase hydroponic garden for every classroom, about 10, over the last three years as part of its green team efforts. The Cedar Rapids schools have green teams, which are interactive educational programs that empower students and staff to conserve the environment, reduce waste, water conservation, and educate the public.
Arthur Elementary wanted an outdoor vegetable garden. However, students didn’t get the experience of caring for it or watching it grow over the summer months. That was the original goal of school leaders. Darren Knipfer is a green team leader and music teacher. He then thought of adding hydroponic gardening to the school.
They can grow vegetables, herbs, and tomatoes all year. Teachers will often trim the herbs and place the fresh trimmings in ziplock bags to send home with students.
Fourth-grade Arthur teacher Loan Arkenberg said that students feel more ownership over the plants and are more interested in them, much like having a pet. Arkenberg explained that each month a student is selected to be the classroom botanist. This is responsible for checking that the plants are properly hydrated.
Students are also trying out terrariums made from plastic soda bottles to grow plants. Terrariums are indoor gardens that are enclosed in sealed containers, similar to an aquarium. The soil and plants release water vapour, which is returned to the soil.
Treyvon Hawkins, a fourth-grader at Arthur is currently growing a sunflower. However, he is getting impatient for the plant to grow. He’s excited to see the flower buds this spring, as it is his first ever plant.
Students from Cedar Rapids Community School District participate in green teams to create hydroponic stations. This is just one example of the sustainability initiatives that students are involved in.
Kristine Sorensen, green coordinator of the Cedar Rapids district sustainability plan, said that this year’s plan will foster a desire for environmental stewardship in our students.
Sorensen stated that we are proud of the students who have taken on the responsibility to promote positive change in educational and productive settings. Our students are showing leadership that is affecting our community beyond the classroom.
Cedar River Academy composting
Cedar River Academy, located at 720 Seventh Ave. SW in Cedar Rapids, only throws away a small amount. Students and staff recycle or compost the majority of garbage they throw away.
K-5 students learn about the school’s waste management system in the cafeteria from their first day. They are responsible for recycling milk cartons, dumping extra milk, and composting food refuse. They also have to throw away any items that aren’t recyclable and compost them in a small trash can, according to Elizabeth Callahan, Cedar River Academy magnet schools coordinator.
Compost is made up of kitchen waste, leaves and grass clippings. It is often used as fertilizer. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, compost can be used to improve soil quality, grow crops, and improve water quality.
Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, is generated by organic waste in landfills. Methane emissions can significantly be reduced by composting food scraps and other organic material.
The 2019-20 schoolyear saw the students start composting. Although the school had a compost bin in the cafeteria, it was thrown away with the rest. Callahan stated that the students were shocked to hear this. They were so passionate they called all over the city to find out who could help us with our compost.
The students presented the idea to Compost Ninja in Iowa. This curbside organic waste diversion system collects compost from schools for the past two years.
Today, compost bins are found in every classroom and common area.
What is really amazing is the number parents who approach us and say, We do it at home now because our children tells us we must. Callahan said that they teach us. The children feel empowered to change the world.
EcoFest will have them.
EcoFest will be held at NewBo City Market at 1100 Third Street, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday. SE. EcoFest is a celebration of Earth Day featuring live music, vendors, and artists
Students from Erskine will demonstrate water pollution and discuss the effects on the local water system. Their demonstration will highlight the difficulties of cleaning up polluted waters, especially oil and chemicals.
Cedar River Academy students will create pollinator seed packets, and discuss the importance of pollinators.
Arthur students will discuss the importance of planting native tree. Clark McLeod will provide 15 native trees to students. The Planting Forward Program is also available through the Monarch Research Project.
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