LomaGarden Curriculum (K-6)
See how the garden integrates with our classroom learning.
Kindergarten: Senses & Seeds
Students explore the garden using their five senses. They plant large seeds (like sunflowers) and learn the fundamental requirements for plant growth: sun, soil, water, and air.
1st Grade: Plant Parts
We discover the different parts of a plant (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds) and identify which parts we eat during our special harvest tasting sessions.
2nd Grade: Insects & Pollinators
Students learn about the lifecycle of butterflies and ladybugs. We observe pollinators in action and discuss how they help our food grow.
3rd Grade: Soil & Composting
We dig deep into soil composition! Students learn how decomposing organic matter creates nutrient-rich compost, and they help manage the school's worm bins.
4th Grade: Native Plants & History
Tying into California history, 4th graders learn about native plants, traditional uses by indigenous peoples, and the agricultural history of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
5th Grade: Water Systems
Focusing on sustainability, students study the garden's drip irrigation system, water conservation techniques, and the local watershed.
6th Grade: Ecosystems & Climate
The garden serves as a living laboratory to study food webs, energy transfer, and how climate factors influence agricultural success.