New Hands-on Class in Horticulture

Many faculty and staff in the Bridgeton Public Schools are champions for hands-on learning through gardening. Specifically, the Math and Science Supervisor at Bridgeton High School, Jennifer DeShields, has dedicated herself to ensuring that the hydroponic greenhouse at the high school will be a success. She created curriculum to ensure that the greenhouse is utilized, and in the 20-21 school year introduced a new Horticulture class at the high school. DeShields stated, “It was created to be a hands-on course grounded in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards that deal with life science, engineering design, and physical science with a focus on energy. In addition to traditional assessments, there are also two project-based assessments that deal with careers in horticulture and production”. Unfortunately, due to COVID the students have not been able to be in person to utilize the hydroponic system in their outdoor classroom. However, the Horticulture curriculum covers a variety of topics that students can still explore virtually:
- Introduction to Horticulture and Safety
- Plant Science
- Plant Growth & Propagation
- Hydroponics/ Aquaponics
- Pest Management
- Production
- Soil Grown Plants
- Careers
- Using Plants in the Landscape
Plans are being made to send home hydroponic kits to allow the students in the class to replicate what they would have been learning hands-on by using the larger hydroponic system in the greenhouse.
About the Grantee
Bridgeton Board of Education
The Mission is to provide multiple pathways for students to attain the NJ Student Learning Standards and to meet the needs of our diverse student population. All students will be provided with the opportunity and resources to succeed through the creation of safe learning environments, which will enable students to graduate from high school and become productive member of a global community.
Strategy: Healthy Eating in Early Child Education ECE HE#1
Cohort: South
Funder: New Jersey Department of Health
Cities: Bridgeton