Learning Science, Finding Joy at Home with Plants
India Carlson
Our guest this week is India Carlson, a botany and environmental horticulture teacher at Ballard High School in Seattle, Washington. In a typical year, India’s students spend a significant portion of time working in the school garden and greenhouse. Faced with the unique challenges of learning science at home this year, India decided to clone a plant for every one of her students to use at home for learning, experimentation, and even finding joy. India joins us to talk about the logistics of sending plants home, the unexpected benefits of the program, and how this experience has prompted her students to appreciate more of the environment around them.
Links:
- Hydroponic kits and toys for black bears: Washington science teachers get creative during pandemic learning (Seattle Times)
- School Greenhouse webpage
- Weather station link
Connect with our Guest:
- Instagram @ballardbotanyteach
- Twitter @ballardhighbot1
- Youtube @indypeony (here is a terrarium instructional)
- Facebook: Ballard Greenhouse Fans
Photos and featured artwork courtesy of India Carlson
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I love India. When our son was at Ballard, he took Biology so he could take Zoology. He also took photography from Gina O’Neil. He will stop and get down in the dirt to get the right shot of a plant. A walk can take a long time.
But, I took Botany at Lincoln, Mr. McDonald, 52 years ago. I have volunteered at BHS since our son started 9-’99. I have had the joy of chaperoning a few of India’s field trips. I save jars for the terrariums and buy plants whenever I can. The Curbside Pick-Ups are great. I wish I could audit her class. Her room is so full of plants, it is a joy.
Thank you for interviewing one of the reasons Ballard is such a wonderful school for your student to attend.