By Holly Desrosier
Amber Buszka, a first-year student in Craven Community College’s (Craven CC) Transitions Academy, is having a blast working in the college’s new greenhouse. It is her favorite activity and one that she looks forward to every day. She enjoys digging in the soil and getting dirty just as much as learning about the different gardening processes.
“When we go out, we get to feel the breeze and aren’t stuck inside all day in the classroom,” she said, a wide smile on her face. “I can mess with plants and get dirty. We learn about stuff in the classroom and then get to go out and do it.”
Craven CC opened the greenhouse in January as a learning opportunity for the Transitions Academy, the college’s two-year program for adults with mild intellectual disabilities. Amber is one of 14 students enrolled in the program, all of whom are active with the greenhouse.
Transitions students and their instructors maintain the garden while also learning skills such as journaling and notetaking; math skills through measuring plant growth, greenhouse temperature and ratio of fertilizer to water and soil; plant propagation and entomology (the study of insects and bugs) to ensure healthy growth and a sterile environment; and comparing the usage of soil versus a hydroponic medium. Students will soon be planting different herbs, which will introduce them to spices and allow them to taste varieties specific to different cultures.
Students have incorporated an aquaponics pond inside the greenhouse and have enjoyed growing geraniums and carnations. According to instructor Brenda Laughinghouse, the students have become extremely attached to the greenhouse and have adapted quickly to their newfound responsibilities. Each one is meticulous about wiping their feet and using hand sanitizer, and they are very protective of everything in the greenhouse. They also make sure the environment is just right and that everyone treats it with respect.
“Our philosophy in the Transitions Academy is to ‘show one, do one, teach one,’” explained Laughinghouse. “With the greenhouse, we began by showing the students how. Then, with supervision, they independently began to prune, pot, propagate and determine moisture content on their own. This process uses all parts of the brain, and the hands-on learning proves to be more effective than hearing or reading about the processes. Our greenhouse is a cost effective way of integrating learning.”
She explained how gardening incorporates learning opportunities in a variety of subjects. The students develop art skills by sketching real-life objects and using the true colors of nature to enhance creativity. They practice math skills by collecting data, learning about measurements, graphing and making projections. They improve language arts abilities with daily journal entries about their greenhouse experiences, as well as learning and using agriculture vocabulary. Science is presented through observing what affects plant growth, such as temperature, heat, light and plant foods, as well as nutrition and chemistry with nitrates, oxygen and pH balance.
“I personally feel it is important to get students out of their seats and in touch with nature,” said Laughinghouse. “I feel it is important that each student learns about growing food, global warming and sustainability.”
The skills that students acquire through the horticultural procedures introduce them to new experiences and help them develop abilities that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. They are learning to work together as a group with a common goal, as well as taking individual responsibility for the upkeep and completion of particular tasks. Additionally, many skills can be applied to the workforce for those who decide to pursue careers upon graduating the program.
“It is our goal that students learn responsibility, commitment and a sense of pride while working in the greenhouse,” added Laughinghouse. “They will take these goals with them into the workforce, making them better employees and helping them realize the relevance.”
The college debuted the greenhouse earlier this month. Construction began in summer 2019. The project was postponed due to poor working conditions after Hurricane Dorian’s arrival and was completed at the beginning of this year.
The generosity of Butch White, owner of White’s Strawberry Farm, has enabled the greenhouse to flourish. He donated all the pots, 100 pounds of potting soil, plastic trays, flower containers and herbs to assist with student learning.
“The students are thrilled to have the greenhouse as part of their academics because it gives them an opportunity to actually utilize what they learn in the classroom and see results,” said Sandy Bayliss-Carr, director of College & Career Readiness. “The skills they are gaining are more than the horticulture knowledge itself but teamwork, responsibility and a sense of accomplishment. The best part is that they are still increasing their reading, writing and math skills while having fun!”
The Transitions Academy is offered at no cost, and most materials are included. All classes are held on the New Bern campus and are in session year-round. It is under Craven CC’s College & Career Readiness program, which encompasses other programs such as Adult Basic Education, Adult High School and GED, English as a Second Language and Family Literacy. Craven CC is an approved GED Pearson Vue Testing Center.
The program services individuals who desire career preparation or want to further post-secondary educational goals by increasing math, reading, writing, technology and soft skills in the context of various careers. Using multiple means of instruction, students engage in career exploration and learn academics through real world experiences. Some of the modules taught include horticulture, government, health programs, childcare, carpentry and food preparation/safety.
Prospective students must fill out an application and will be given a scheduled assessment and interview for admittance into the program. To get an application or find out more, contact Bayliss-Carr at 252-638-4755 or stop by the College & Career Readiness office, located in Suite 119 of the Student Center on the New Bern campus.
This article was originally published in the New Bern Sun Journal on February 19, 2020.