Felege Hiywot Center Junior Master Gardener Summer

Update

FHC was blessed this summer of 2008 with a busy schedule serving children from Fervent Prayer Outreach, and Edna Martin Center. The Junior Master Gardener is made possible by a beautiful partnership with Purdue Extension, Eli Lilly Science Education outreach, Lilly Endowment Summer Youth program fund, Eli Lilly Employee volunteers, The Crossing, Redeemer Presbyterian daughter church, Major Tool and Equipment and a host of garden loving volunteers donating their time and energy to work with the inner city youth.

1st week June 2 - 7 - Theme: Plant Growth and Development

Importance and uses of plants was covered stressing the importance of plants to Planet Earth. The youth engaged in a discussion of what plants need to live. P -stands for place (container/garden), L - for Light, A - for Air, N - for Nutrients, T - for Thirsty (water), S - for Soil. After the discussion each one of them planted a vegetable seed in a container. At the end of each session they are provided with a drink and snack.

2nd week June 9 - 13 - Theme: Soils and Water Soils

Youth participated in demonstration of soil content by taking soil samples from different part of the Center ground. A jar was filled half-full with the soil and rest of the way with water, shook and let sit for a minute. The three content of soil, Sand, Silt and Clay were visible after settling and their importance was explained.

Water

The Water Cycle, transpiration from plants, evaporation from lakes and rivers, condensation in clouds and precipitation were discussed. The youth enjoyed assisting our volunteer, Mr. Stefan Thibodeaus, in installing the 500 gal. rain tank. They learned the importance of covering the tank with Mosquito netting, why the tank needed to be dark green, and how to make sure the large debris will not get in the tank. The youth also enjoyed playing football with Mr. Stefan.

Health and Wellness

While the youth enjoy learning about plants and their benefits to the environment, taking care of our health and the importance of participating in a wellness program was stressed. Using the “Sweet Measurements” science kit, provided by Eli Lilly Science Education Outreach, they learned to read food labels and measure the amount of sugar in their favorite foods.

Converting the per serving gram of sugar to the equivalent number of sugar cubes made a huge impact on them. They could not believe the amount sugar they consume from their favorite snacks.