How I did it

NEA Today, Jan 2000 by Alexander, Larry

Larry Alexander

Fifth grade teacher

Tonasket, Washington

I developed an apple orchard project to enhance student understanding of life sciences, math, and other subjects.

I got a $16,000 grant to start the project in 1997. It usually costs $15,000 to plant an acre of trees, but we did it for $2,000, thanks to community support.

People donated trees, labor, and materials. For example, to halo us plant dwarf trees that need to be trellised, an orchardist donated wire, poles, and other items. Other volunteers taught pruning to my fifth grade students.

In the classroom, we use the orchard to study growth regions of trees, cell growth from buds, and the area's apple-growing history. My students also take the kindergarten classes on tours of the orchard.

Using part of a $17,000 curriculum-development grant, I recently bought a computer and a digital camera for students to use.

Next year, I hope to incorporate economics and business. After harvesting and sorting the apples, students will sell gift boxes. They'll also learn about spread sheets.

We've won several awards for our work, including one from the Washington Education Association for fostering community support.,