Bonsall students research herbs thanks to grant

BONSALL – Recently, students in Mrs. Stillman’s third grade class at Bonsall Elementary School used their class iPads to research herbs as part of a garden grant written by Kristin Lewis, and co-written by Stillman.

Students studied books, handouts and online articles, and they had discussions in their small groups to identify the origins of plants such as thyme, rosemary, dill, sage, mint, and parsley, among others. The students also used their fact-finding skills to mark a trade route on their laminated maps as they predicted how the herbs made it to our garden here in San Diego County from the country the herb came from.

All of this research occurred after investigating and observing full grown plants in the classroom, then planting their own seeds in a mini-greenhouse before spring break.

Among the research, students discovered planting depths and distances, common uses, growing patterns, and history-related facts about the herbs.

Students will be transferring their sprouted plants to the school-wide garden planter boxes soon.

The vision of Bonsall Elementary is to build and maintain a school garden enrichment program to provide an opportunity for students in the Bonsall Union School District to learn about the environment, promote healthy living with natural foods, and participate in an outdoor hands-on scientific experience.

Stillman said the Bonsall Education Foundation, PTA, and the Bonsall Garden Committee raised over $13,000 in funds for the school in order to initiate the garden program this year.

“We look forward to many amazing and fulfilling projects to come,” said Stillman.