Peel Water Story Project Case Study
Project title:
Thomas Street’s Outdoor Classroom –
The Thunder-Green Garden
Schools/
Community Group(s) :
Thomas Street Middle School
School Board/Organization(s):
Peel District School Board
Community /Town /City:
Mississauga
Your Project is located within which
(sub)watershed/s?
Credit River
Start Date:
Fall 2003 - present
Project abstract
Our objective was to plant trees, which would establish a garden space at our school. Thirteen trees were purchased and delivered with the assistance and expertise of a parent of a student at our school. As a landscape architect, he had the experience and knowledge we needed to meet our objective. On our planting day, we were fortunate to have the help of many people, including students, teachers, parent volunteers and other members of our community.
Project outcomes
This year, we will expand our garden by planting additional plant species and enhancing the appearance of the area. Teachers use the space for a) educating students about the environment (e.g. ecosystems), b) having small group discussions, and c) individual reflection and quiet work. The garden also serves to increase environmental awareness and exemplifies the importance of maintaining a clean, green area within our community.
Start-up Support
Funding came from the following sources:
- Toyota Evergreen Grant of $1000
- School Fund-raising of $1000
Community Partnerships
Internal – Teachers, Green Team members (students), parent volunteers and Principals participated in planting day. Our ACTNOW ENVIRONMENTAL committee was set up as part of our school success team. Staff, administration, caretakers, as well as a landscape architect, were all involved in the development of our garden.
External – Parent volunteers including a landscape architect, Longo’s Supermarket provided food and water during planting day, and Home Depot and Rona provided the necessary equipment.
Project planning
- completion of the planting beds
- planting the balance of the shrubs
- completing the walkways
- enhancing the seating area
- adding the log walkways and benches
- plant additional trees to blend the learning area and its surroundings
- extend the walkways
- enhance the main entrance
- add secondary egress access points
Student Ownership and involvement
Nearly 900 students were involved in this project. Members of the student’s Green Team helped with the design of the naturalization area. Others planted trees on Planting Day. All students took part in school-wide fund-raising activities for this project. Members of the Green Team continue to maintain the area.
Curriculum and water connections
Science & Technology: Life Systems strand
Grade 6: Diversity of Living Things
Grade 7: Interactions within Ecosystems
Students can track vegetation growth, the organisms and animals that visit our garden and study the relationships among them. Other topics of study include photosynthesis, decomposition, and the water cycle.
Project Celebrations
Thomas Street Middle School has participated in the Peel EcoFair over the last two years (2004 and 2005). Each year, members of the Green Team showcased our progress and answered questions from participating representing other Peel schools.
Communication to the community/media
Members of the community have gained knowledge about our project through our presentations at the Peel EcoFair. In addition, our project was presented to parents through our school’s newsletter and parent council meetings.
Favourite Project activities for learning
Researching, identifying and labeling various plant, insect, and animal species that are part of the naturalization area. E.g. Grade 7 identification of biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem.
Students own feedback about project
Since this project enabled students to take ownership, students are proud and are eager to visit, spend time, and take care of their outdoor classroom. This year, as part of Earth Day celebrations, we plan to add more trees and improve the appearance of the landscape by adding birdfeeders, garbage bins and plaques, which identify the plant species. Students are looking forward to contributing to this project this Spring.
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