Alicia Haire, a masters student in the UGA Horticulture Department, and doctoral student Erika Rees from UGA’s Department of Kinesiology worked with the STEM facilitator at Hartwell Elementary to install a school garden that will provide the chance for students to gain hands-on experience learning about scientific research. Haire’s research focused on how students process garden experiences and what they learn from them, and Rees’ project examined students’ physical activity in the garden. Hart County Archway Professional Ilka McConnell also connected the STEM teacher with local civic group volunteers to design and build the raised bed boxes for the school garden, and arranged for the garden soil to be provided and delivered by the county. Hart County Cooperative Extension agent Josh Halpin helped with soil testing to select the best topsoil at the county facility and was on-site to help when they delivered the soil to Hartwell Elementary.
Hart County elementary school installs garden to use for scientific research
