On a recent sunny afternoon, Class 7 students were working diligently in the Greenhouse on the 8th floor, nurturing a variety of plants as part of their Botany unit.
As part of this unit, the scientists are divided into several groups—soil testers, water testers, pest control, growth patrol and botanical illustrators to name a few—each designated with specific tasks to perform. The students, who visit the Greenhouse once a week, gathered as a group around the large lab table before splitting into their teams.
“Has everyone planted in the bed?” asked Middle School Science Department Head and teacher Anna Mello. Met with unanimous nods, she continued, “Great. The soil testers need the most room, so let them use this end of the lab table. Goggles, gloves and aprons are in the drawer up front!”
With that, the students grabbed gold laminated badges inscribed with their job titles and got straight to work. On the far side of the room, the two “pest control” students used gloved hands to closely examine a batch of potted plants.
“We look for any thing or bug that could be infecting the plant,” one student explained. Signs of distress, she noted, include “spots, wilting or discoloration.” She shared that they’ll cut off leaves, if necessary, or use specific sprays to rid the plant’s threat.
The soil testers, spread out at the end of the lab table, donned goggles and gloves as they carefully lined up their test tubes and chemicals. As plants need specific nutrients to thrive, the group tests for Potassium, Nitrogen, pH and Phosphorous, specifically in the tomato garden.
The students swirled different liquids and soil samples inside test tubes and monitored the changes in color. They studied their mixtures to determine if the nutrient levels were low, medium or high. (Each girl was responsible for one specific nutrient).
The growth patrol duo measured the height of each plant and its leaves and used their math skills to determine the average. They recorded other important data points in their Google spreadsheet including the type of plant and qualitative observations. “Using this data, we determine what stage of the life cycle the plants are in,” one girl explained.
The tower garden group cares for all of the herbs inside including kale, oregano, basil and onion, while the water team ensures the soil is properly nourished. Half of the plants our students grow will be given to a Grassroots Grocery community fridge as part of our 2024-2025 Miss Chapin’s Project.
In addition to these assiduous 7th graders and Ms. Mello, a Class 12 student serves as the Greenhouse intern, helping to ensure that the plants are thriving and the space is clean. The Upper School Gardening Club also spends ample time in this magical spot, with plans to plant lavender and strawberries in the coming weeks.