StM News

Lower School students have been getting a hands-on look at agriculture by helping to grow microgreens with science teacher Mrs. Pam Brierre. Over the summer, Mrs. Brierre received a grant from Louisiana Ag in the Classroom to grow 10 different types of microgreens, and students have been enjoying the process of learning about the edible seedlings.

Each Lower School class is helping to grow the greens and trying different experiments to see the best way to
meet the plant’s needs and observe the results.

Pre-Kindergarteners enjoyed tasting the greens and testing their prediction skills. They were also excited to meet new residents of the Lower School Science Lab – red wiggler worms! The worms are a great partner for the growing microgreens, serving as a recycling team of sorts.

The Kindergarten class has been exploring animals’ needs and they made sure the worms had what was necessary to be safe and fed.

First Grade has learned about how animals have parts that help them thrive, while Second Grade, in learning about plants and seeds, planted and harvested their first crop of broccoli and radish greens. The leftover plants and soil went into the worm bin just in time to feed them.

Microgreens are young, immature edible seedlings typically harvested seven to 14 days after germination. Most microgreens are started from vegetable and herb seeds. Unlike traditional gardens, microgreens are a quick crop requiring minimal investments of time and space.