Carver Students learn about chemistry, soil studies, and math at the Dick Young Greenhouse

Walking though the Dick Young Greenhouse, the cold temperatures and external stressors seem to fade away, replaced by a welcoming warmth and sense of calm steady growth. Students of George Washington Carver Academy experience this comforting oasis year-round through their science classes which partner with Sheila Sartorius, assistant horticulturist with the Black Hawk ISU-Extension.

According to Sartorius, she walks alongside the school's teachers to plan interactive horticulture curriculum that encourages hands-on learning and one-on-one instruction for students.

"Life happens in the greenhouse," said Sartorius. "In here there's chemistry, soil studies, math - kids learn about all types of subjects in this space."

This November, eighth grade science students joined Sartorius, paraeducator Sheryl Jones, and master gardener James Hansen for their class on dividing and caring for houseplants. Students were able to work to divide and repot their own plant while also taking home up to two other house plants to continue growing on their own.

"It's been beautiful to see their eagerness to plant and re-pot," said Jones.

Sartorius says that she works to create lesson plans that are fun and engaging for students in a one-on-one setting. Like-wise, teachers enjoy working alongside Carver's in-house plant expert, saying the she creates a welcoming environment that can become a great outlet for students.

"The greenhouse gives our students a chance to learn skills that without would be very challenging to learn," said Nicholas Peiffer, eighth grade science teacher at Carver. "For certain students it is their favorite part of the whole year."

"I enjoy the greenhouse," said seventh grade student Genova Castro. "One of my favorite things from the greenhouse is the aloe vera plants!"

Classwork in the greenhouse ranges across a wide variety of projects such as making aloe vera hand cream, cultivating pineapples, and basic plant care.