Farm School

Farm School is a chance for classes to take the learning outside and onto the Farm.  Explore life on the farm as we learn about where our food comes from, gardening, animal care, watersheds, soils, waste, and more! Our curriculum is most popular with 3rd and 4th grade classes, but last year we hosted everyone from 1st graders to seniors in high school. Younger students focus on caring for plants and animals.  Older students participate in our "Food for Thought" curriculum that examines issues like local and sustainable food systems and undertakes major building projects here on the Farm. All of our Farm School programs emphasize the importance of students doing meaningful work on the Farm.  Students do morning chores, muck stalls, work in the garden beds, and more! Students also participate in journaling exercises, animal time, science experiments, and a whole range of hands-on activities as they learn and grow here at the Farm. Farm school lasts between two and five days, depending on your group's goals and needs. Day 1: Beginning at the End: What's Up with Waste? Introductions to Wolfe's Neck Farm: Ground rules and Expectations Introduction to Recycling, Compost, Trash Day 2: How Does Your Garden Grow? Introduction to the Garden: Planting, Soil ecology Day 3: Healthy Foods from Healthy Soils Nutrition from Our Soils Taste Tests Day 4: Doing It Ourselves Introducing Farm Products Where does our food come from? Introducing "Local Foods" Day 5: Cycles and Celebrations Introduction to Watersheds and Salt Marshes Recapping our week Reflection All Farm School Days include: Chores in the barn and garden Animal Time (time each day to learn about the proper handling and care for a specific animal) Animal Reflection Time (a chance to sit silently and watch a particular animals habits) High's and Low's (daily reflection with your educator about the best and most challenging parts of your day) Journal Time (WNF Education staff has these journals prepared: see file on computer)   Cost Farm School costs $17.50 per student, per day.  Older groups that tackle major work projects can complete a work trade in exchange for camping at Recompence Shore Campground. Schedule your Farm School Experience Please register for your Farm School experience well ahead of time!  We scheduled trips every day from mid-April to mid-June in 2010, and we wouldn't want you to miss out! To schedule your Farm School, please contact our Programming and Curriculum Coordinator by emailing: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling (207) 865-4363 ext. 103. Please be ready to provide: School or Group Information: name, address and phone number Educator Contact Information: name, phone and email Dates and times you are interested in visiting Number of students and number of classrooms participating Students' ages and /or grades If you are planning to bring a picnic or snack If you want to pursue any optional lessons or activities at the Farm, and what those might be.   Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to ask questions and plan your Farm School!

 

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