Pre-K students in Mrs. Pertell’s class at Pleasant Avenue participated in a months-long unit focused on plants.
This was part of the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum. The program seamlessly integrates science and social studies into the lessons. Throughout this lesson, the children explored various types of plants, learning about their life cycles and the different environments in which they grow.
The curriculum is a component of the AgriQuest Farm-to-School program. Now in its second year, the Greater Johnstown School District’s AgriQuest initiative has allocated funding for vital resources, including hands-on projects, field trips, guest speakers and school gardening activities. For this specific project, the District’s AgriQuest program supplied soil, seeds and pots for plant exploration lessons, as well as covered the expenses for a field trip to the Johnstown Senior Center.
“We began the unit by creating a wonder wall where the students came up with questions they had about plants. We even started using PebbleGo to conduct research to find answers to some of our questions,” said Mrs. Pertell. PebbleGo is a kid-friendly digital research platform designed to empower young learners to develop digital literacy and inquiry skills. Students engaged in hands-on activities, such as planting seeds and observing their growth over time.
They took part in discussions about the importance of plants to ecosystems and their role in providing food and oxygen. The unit not only enhanced their understanding of the natural world but also encouraged curiosity and a love for learning. For the culminating event, the entire pre-K visited the senior center to plant flowers alongside the members, cultivating a cheerful atmosphere and enjoying each other’s company.
“Our AgriQuest program is dedicated to cultivating not only a love for agriculture but also a profound sense of community. By providing our youngest learners with the opportunity to explore plant life and connect with the residents at the Johnstown Senior Center, we are fostering intergenerational bonds and enriching educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom,” said Superintendent Alicia D. Koster. “This initiative exemplifies our commitment to nurturing minds and hearts within our community.”
