AP Environmental Science students engaged in an experimental design activity in the Academic Courtyard. Each group of 3-4 students was allotted a small garden plot and asked to design an experiment to test a hypothesis that related to growth of fall crops such as lettuce, kale, and spinach. Variables tested in different groups included type of soil (sandy, clayey, or good compost); relative density of seed planting; presence or absence of fertilizer; and presence or absence of mulch on soil. None of the results were conclusive, but that is OK as the instructors learned a fair bit about how to guide students in experimental design next time around. During the fall months, students were enthusiastically watering plants in their free periods, and all enjoyed the planting, harvesting, and data collection activities. In addition, the proximity of the work space to the classroom allowed daily inspection of progress from the classroom windows.
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