Columbus City Schools students learn about agriculture in summer program

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus City Schools students learned about agriculture this summer and how it relates to many of the things we use in our everyday lives.

Agriculture is not the first word that pops into most people’s minds when they think of Columbus, but inner-city students have been looking to the process of urban agriculture from beginning to end through CCS’s Summer Experience Urban Agriculture Pathway.

Peggy Callander is a third grade teacher at Berwick Alternative Elementary School during the year, but this summer she stepped into the role of urban agriculture teacher.

“I was hoping that they understand that everything does relate back to agriculture, seeing where we would be if it wasn’t for agriculture and many of them were surprised,” said Callander. Many of the students were learning about the process of growing produce for the first time. The students have grown up in the city of Columbus, which is not necessarily an agricultural hub. But you can grow plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs here.

“It can be in a small area. You know, we have lettuce growing up in our classroom. It can be indoors, you just have to have the right equipment and the right supplies,” said Callander. Students in the program said they have enjoyed their experience. “It’s fun to learn about it. I watch videos all the time about it, how plants are grown and how plants are processed, “ said 6th grader Hesson Davis.

The students learned about things they never knew were interesting to them, and some said they are excited to teach others about how urban agriculture works. “I always thought agriculture was boring but since we came to summer school it was pretty fun,” said J-dan Guthrie.

The garden at Berwick Alternative Elementary School is there year round so students can continue to learn about growing produce in an urban environment.