D-E’s Nettie Coit Teaching Garden is not only an idyllic hidden gem on campus with flowers, plants, and a chicken coop, but also an outdoor classroom used in academic lessons. For example, as part of Middle School Dean Ms. Urbanowski’s DIG (D-E In the Garden) Discovery class, students in Grades 7 and 8 learn about the herbs, fruits, and vegetables that grow there, such as lavender, thyme, sage, elderberries, and squash, and then harvest them for consumption. “Through hands-on, fun activities, we learn about sustainable agriculture and why eating local is better for the environment,” said Ms. Urbanowski. DIG student Myles S. ’30 said he now understands how eating locally grown foods means you’re likely eating seasonal foods. And when produce isn’t traveling long distances to get to you, “there’s less environmental harm,” he said. Ian C. ’31, another DIG student, was excited to discover that “plants know when to release their seeds… they have an internal clock—it’s cool!” The garden is also a teaching space for Mr. Wallman’s sixth-grade History class, who visited during a unit on native farming practices. In addition, Ms. Christine, Lower School Art & Design Teacher, brought her class to the garden to sketch whatever inspired them in these surroundings. We’re so lucky to have wonderful spaces at D-E that foster such innovative learning!
