Have you ever got a hair-brained idea so outlandish; it was just crazy enough to work? The idea? Let’s simulate the energy flow and transfer system in nature within the classroom through the creation of a Living Wall – a self-watering plant wall complete with aquarium ecosystem, filtration system, solar panels and two growing surfaces. Simple enough right? I mean, how hard could it be to bring a bit of the outdoors in, I thought to myself. Well, little did I know, the learning outcomes that were to spin off from this one idea would be as organic as the wall itself.
For instance: Who knew that fish were so hard to keep? That temperature was so important? Or how fast algae could bloom or how quickly cichlids can spawn? Or how fascinating the feel of the pleco fish is or the timing of the rain could be to my autistic students? Or how my timid grade 7 student would blossom when I made her the “foreman” of the water-testing crew or how focused and grounded my highly anxious ADHD student could be kneeling in front of the fish tank? And who knew how fragile, dynamic, interconnected and complex lifesustaining systems really are?
As my students and I engage with The Wall, it is a daily reminder for me of the nature of teaching and learning. It is ever changing, growing, reciprocal and responsive - a beautiful mosaic of both Science and Art – method and madness!
Risk, Trust, and Repeat.
Kim Lefevre – Sp.Ed teacher AE Cross (PLP) - passionate about bringing the “outsider” in and delights in the myriad expressions of humanity.
As my students and I engage with The Wall, it is a daily reminder for me of the nature of teaching and learning. It is ever changing, growing, reciprocal and responsive - a beautiful mosaic of both Science and Art – method and madness!
Risk, Trust, and Repeat.
Kim Lefevre – Sp.Ed teacher AE Cross (PLP) - passionate about bringing the “outsider” in and delights in the myriad expressions of humanity.
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