James City County/Williamsburg
Master Gardeners

Seeds of Learning

The Seeds of Learning project involves approximately 690 first grade students each school year. Approximately 20 Master Gardener volunteers are generally involved, with four volunteers generally presenting the program to each class of 18-20 students in every first grade classroom in the Williamsburg-James City County School System. The Walsingham Academy and Williamsburg Montessori School are also included in this program. The objective is to introduce these students to gardening using the Standards of Learning science curriculum as a guide. The demonstration lessons are designed to assist the teachers in meeting first grade SOL requirements regarding plants using hands-on, interactive activities.

Trained James City County Master Gardeners teach children about different types of seeds, growing requirements (soil, water, sun, and air), and how plants grow. The demonstration last approximately 45 minutes to an hour and uses SOL materials, a video program and educational posters. The Seeds of Learning Project effectively presents important concepts of science in a clear, non-threatening manner while meeting the Virginia Science Standards of Learning concerning plants for the first grade.