With Patrick Nunziata
The Transformative Role of Indoor Gardens in Educational Environments
Welcome to our guide on how indoor gardens can change the school system and lives of youth.
There is lots of content to get you excited about the potential of indoor gardens in schools but if you already know you want one and just need to convince your admin or grant donor, download our quick FAQ guide on getting an indoor garden into your school with all your common questions answered and answers to common grant questions.
There is lots of content to get you excited about the potential of indoor gardens in schools but if you already know you want one and just need to convince your admin or grant donor, download our quick FAQ guide on getting an indoor garden into your school with all your common questions answered and answers to common grant questions.
Introduction
The integration of sustainable practices in educational settings is gaining increasing importance. Just Vertical, a leader in indoor hydroponic gardens, is collaborating with Toronto artist and school board trustee Pat Nunziata to pioneer this green revolution in education.
Through their collaboration, they are donating indoor gardens to schools to kickstart learning across North America. Read on for how to enter and what the impact is of growing food in schools.
Where It Starts
The Rise Of Indoor Gardens In Schools
The incorporation of indoor gardens into school environments transcends traditional teaching methodologies, offering a multitude of benefits that are crucial in modern education.
Firstly, indoor gardens serve as dynamic, hands-on learning environments where students can engage with the life cycle of plants, understand the principles of botany, and grasp the complexities of ecosystems in a tangible way. This immersive form of learning fosters a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, encouraging curiosity and a sense of wonder about the natural world. Moreover, these gardens can be integrated across various subjects, making them versatile tools for interdisciplinary education. For instance, in mathematics, they can be used for lessons on measurements and growth rates, while in art, they offer opportunities for botanical drawing and understanding the aesthetics of plant forms.
Another significant benefit of indoor gardens in schools is their role in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability. By caring for plants, students develop a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment. This hands-on experience with nature teaches them the importance of conservation and sustainable living practices, values that are increasingly important in today's world. Furthermore, indoor gardens have a positive impact on students' mental and emotional well-being. The presence of plants has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood, creating a more conducive learning environment.
By bringing nature indoors, schools can provide a calming, green oasis that supports the overall well-being of students, fostering a healthy learning atmosphere where students can thrive both academically and personally.
Firstly, indoor gardens serve as dynamic, hands-on learning environments where students can engage with the life cycle of plants, understand the principles of botany, and grasp the complexities of ecosystems in a tangible way. This immersive form of learning fosters a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, encouraging curiosity and a sense of wonder about the natural world. Moreover, these gardens can be integrated across various subjects, making them versatile tools for interdisciplinary education. For instance, in mathematics, they can be used for lessons on measurements and growth rates, while in art, they offer opportunities for botanical drawing and understanding the aesthetics of plant forms.
Another significant benefit of indoor gardens in schools is their role in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability. By caring for plants, students develop a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment. This hands-on experience with nature teaches them the importance of conservation and sustainable living practices, values that are increasingly important in today's world. Furthermore, indoor gardens have a positive impact on students' mental and emotional well-being. The presence of plants has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood, creating a more conducive learning environment.
By bringing nature indoors, schools can provide a calming, green oasis that supports the overall well-being of students, fostering a healthy learning atmosphere where students can thrive both academically and personally.
Our Contribution
Just Vertical’s Pioneering Role
Just Vertical is at the forefront of the educational innovation mentioned above with efficient, space-saving, and educational hydroponic gardens that facilitate an understanding of critical concepts like water conservation and sustainable living.
Our AEVA garden (below) along with our EVE garden are spearheading our efforts to teach the next generation about sustainability and agriculture.
Our AEVA garden (below) along with our EVE garden are spearheading our efforts to teach the next generation about sustainability and agriculture.
Our Contribution
Just Vertical x Patrick Nunziata Giveaway
The giveaway campaign featured the EVE indoor garden, showcasing the potential of indoor gardening in education by merging aesthetics with functionality and sustainability.
You can win our next collaborative custom artist garden by completing the form below.
You can win our next collaborative custom artist garden by completing the form below.
Learn More
Question & Answers
Learn more from the perspective of Patrick Nunziata and Conner Tidd.
Note: parts of these interviews have been summarized or re-worded for clarity.
Q&A with Pat Nunziata – Toronto Artist & School Board Trustee
How does integrating art with indoor gardens benefit learning? 🎨
It stimulates creativity and encourages students to view gardens as more than scientific tools but as canvases for artistic expression.
Can indoor gardens improve students' mental well-being? 🧠
Yes, they provide a calming effect, teaching patience and empathy, and offering a peaceful retreat.
What is the future of indoor gardens in education? 🌱
I see them evolving into interactive hubs, blending technology and nature, offering augmented reality experiences and app-based learning.
With Conner Tidd, CEO of Just Vertical
What was the inspiration behind focusing on educational indoor gardens? 📚
We saw the need for practical environmental education. Our gardens provide a hands-on way to teach sustainability, local food systems, and plant biology.
How do indoor gardens align with STEM education? 🧬
They are living STEM labs, covering aspects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a practical, engaging manner.
Can you address some common challenges in schools for implementing indoor gardens? 💭
We designed our gardens to be compact and low-maintenance, ideal for schools, and provide resources for easy curriculum integration.
How do indoor gardens teach about environmental responsibility? ♻️
Gardens teach students about resource conservation and the benefits of sustainable food production.
Are there opportunities for cross-curricular learning? 📘
They extend beyond science, into art, math, social studies, and language arts, offering a well-rounded educational experience.
What does post-setup support for schools? 📱
We offer ongoing support through educational materials, curriculum guides, and customer service to make these gardens a lasting educational tool.
A Closer Look
The AEVA Indoor Garden
The AEVA indoor garden system, designed by Just Vertical, represents a seamless blend of elegance, functionality, and sustainability. As a sophisticated piece of living furniture, AEVA stands out with its sleek, minimalist design, making it not only an educational tool but also an aesthetic addition to any space. This innovative hydroponic system allows for the growth of a wide variety of plants, from lush greens and flavorful herbs to vibrant flowers, all without the need for soil.
It’s ingeniously engineered to be user-friendly, making it accessible for individuals of all gardening skill levels. The system's self-contained nature, equipped with energy-efficient LED lights, ensures optimal growth conditions for plants year-round, irrespective of external weather conditions.
This feature is particularly advantageous in educational settings where consistent and reliable plant growth is essential for ongoing learning projects.
Meet The AEVA
It’s ingeniously engineered to be user-friendly, making it accessible for individuals of all gardening skill levels. The system's self-contained nature, equipped with energy-efficient LED lights, ensures optimal growth conditions for plants year-round, irrespective of external weather conditions.
This feature is particularly advantageous in educational settings where consistent and reliable plant growth is essential for ongoing learning projects.
A Closer Look
The Produce Payback Promise
Just Vertical's unique "Produce Payback Promise" is a testament to their commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction.
This promise underscores the cost-effectiveness and economic sustainability of the AEVA system. Essentially, Just Vertical guarantees that the value of the produce grown in the AEVA will equal or surpass the initial investment made in purchasing the system with what is included in the box. This is achieved through the system's efficient design, which maximizes yield while minimizing ongoing costs such as water, nutrients, and electricity.
For educational institutions, this promise means that the investment in an AEVA indoor garden is not only a commitment to enhancing the learning environment but also a financially prudent decision. It encourages schools to embrace the concept of growing their own produce, thus fostering an environment of self-sufficiency and providing a hands-on experience with sustainable food production practices. This initiative not only educates students about the importance of growing their own food but also provides tangible returns on their investment, making it a valuable addition to any educational program.
This promise underscores the cost-effectiveness and economic sustainability of the AEVA system. Essentially, Just Vertical guarantees that the value of the produce grown in the AEVA will equal or surpass the initial investment made in purchasing the system with what is included in the box. This is achieved through the system's efficient design, which maximizes yield while minimizing ongoing costs such as water, nutrients, and electricity.
For educational institutions, this promise means that the investment in an AEVA indoor garden is not only a commitment to enhancing the learning environment but also a financially prudent decision. It encourages schools to embrace the concept of growing their own produce, thus fostering an environment of self-sufficiency and providing a hands-on experience with sustainable food production practices. This initiative not only educates students about the importance of growing their own food but also provides tangible returns on their investment, making it a valuable addition to any educational program.
Financing Indoor Gardens in Schools
Implementing indoor gardens in educational settings can be financially challenging. However, numerous grants are available to assist educators in the US and Canada.
These grants can cover various costs associated with setting up and maintaining indoor gardens, such as equipment, supplies, and educational resources. Educators are encouraged to apply for these opportunities to bring the benefits of indoor gardens to their students.
These grants can cover various costs associated with setting up and maintaining indoor gardens, such as equipment, supplies, and educational resources. Educators are encouraged to apply for these opportunities to bring the benefits of indoor gardens to their students.
Dell Grants Support Program 🇺🇸
Ongoing funding for STEM-related projects. Learn more about the grant here: https://www.dell.com/en-us/dt/forms/contact-us/technology-grants.htm
The Saxena Family Foundation 🇺🇸
Ongoing grants, focusing on woman-led STEM projects ($5,000-$50,000). Learn more about the grant here: http://saxenafoundation.com/guidelines/
Idaho Classroom Grant 🇺🇸
$2,000 grant for equipment. Learn more about the grant here: https://inlfedramp.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3DXkkuyGSKcjdpI
Louisiana & Mississippi Support STEM Grant 🇺🇸
Up to $15,000 for STEM projects. Learn more about the grant here: https://www.thebrownfoundation.org/education/supportstem.html
Whole Kids Grant 🇺🇸
Up to $3,000 for learning gardens. Learn more about the grant here: https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/programs/school-gardens-grant/
Voya Unsung Heroes Grant 🇺🇸
Up to $2,000 for innovative projects. Learn more about the grant here: https://www.voya.com/page/voya-unsung-heroesr
Casey’s Cash for Classroom Grant 🇺🇸
Up to $50,000 for learning materials. Learn more about the grant here: https://www.caseys.com/community/cash-for-classrooms-grants
Empowering Youth for Climate Action Award 🇨🇦
Up to $3,000 for youth-led climate action projects. Learn more about the grant here: https://ourcanadaproject.ca/award/
Canadian Seed Grant 🇨🇦
Up to $3,000 to improve school food environments. Learn more about the grant here: https://www.farmtocafeteriacanada.ca/seed-grants/
Farm to School BC Grant 🇨🇦
Up to $3,000 for learning gardens. Learn more about the grant here: https://farmtoschoolbc.ca/grants/
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant 🇨🇦
$2,000-$8,000 for environmental education. Learn more about the grant here: https://www.td.com/ca/en/about-td/ready-commitment/funding/fef-grant
Conclusion
The collaboration between Just Vertical and Pat Nunziata, along with the introduction of indoor gardens in schools, marks a significant advancement in combining sustainability, education, and art in learning environments. These gardens are not just tools for teaching biology; they are mediums for nurturing deeper environmental appreciation and fostering innovative thinking in students. As we continue to support eco-conscious initiatives in schools, the goal remains to cultivate a more sustainable, aware, and creatively engaged future generation.
