Growing Green Hearts has partnered with the City of Blaine, Minnesota, in creation of environmental STEM programming and curriculum for their Blaine Wetland Sanctuary. The Blaine Wetland Sanctuary is a playful place to exercise for many people. It’s also a living science research lab for many; and for even more people- it’s a peaceful place […]
Do all plants have the same roots? Tulips are well known for their bulb (bulbous) roots. Each spring, I first notice flowers from bulbs like the crocus, then daffodils, followed by tulips and hyacinth. Green shouts of onions and garlic are now up, too. Keep an eye out this spring for the unique flowers […]
Learning goes beyond classroom walls for learning is NOT a line. Learning is not a circle or checklist. It can jump, run, test and rest. Learning can grab a buddy or dream on its own. Learning can be inside, outside and inside out. Learning takes place within a person and community, small and big. Learning […]
Summer Fun with Growing Green Hearts Here’s a sample of what Growing Green Hearts has been up to… Growing Green Hearts kicked off the summer by providing nature-based programming with MELSA libraries in May, June, and July. Oh the joy on a child’s face when their fingers are in the cool summer soil with tiny […]
STEM is Here to Stay: 7 Things About STEM Today Which projects do you remember from your school days? A book report diorama, report on a state or a science fair tri-fold. Egg drop, grow labs, and bridges were some of the first engineering design challenges I tried as a kid but they were just […]
What is ESTEAM? E-STEM? STEM? STEM = science, technology, engineering, math E-STEM = environmental science, science, technology, engineering, and math ESTEAM = environment/earth sciences, science, technology, engineering, art, math Anna Dutke’s nature-based preschool students in the Prior Lake Savage school district are using the hands-on brains-on ESTEAM approach to playing and learning. The outdoor mud […]
STEM is Bubblin’ HOT! A hot topic in education right now is STEM. Schools across the country are adopting the blending of science, technology, engineering and math into topic-based units and projects. Many educators take it further by adding art, turning STEM into STEAM. Growing Green Hearts has been teaching STEM/STEAM for years and works […]
A Community Green Space Grows Many Things The space at 4th & Adams in Anoka was designed by Growing Green Hearts to grow trees, plants, food, and COMMUNITY. It was great to meet Sue Austreng, journalist for the Anoka County Union Herald, last month. She spent hours celebrating, playing, taking pictures, and talking with people […]
New Natural Playground Space At Zion Lutheran What a celebration! Today 300 people, two fire trucks, a police car, songs, hot dog lunches, bounce houses and 10 different kinds of rain garden plants were all part of the dedication of Zion’s Community Greenspace. A gift from Frank and Janice Jensen as well as grants from […]
Teamwork: Some Plants Need A Boost and Some Kids Like To Squish Soil Some of the plants we love need a longer season to produce the summer vegetables we love to eat. Starting seeds indoors is one way to give your garden a head start. Tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, basil, cabbage, kale are some of the […]
