Mary Margaret's Garden

MISSION:
To provide every student the opportunity to foster an attitude of stewardship and discovery of living things through the use of our senses, observations, and experimentation.

NATIONAL Award Winning Science Program:
Fayette Academy offers a unique combination of "hands-on" learning in the field of science.

The biology lab offers investigative research utilizing the most current laboratory techniques. Students conduct experiments, gather data, make charts, and develop analysis based on their data.

Elementary students in grade 4, 5 and 6 participate in this unique learning environment every Thursday. Students participate in the biology lab and the outdoor classroom. Students conduct field studies on campus and gain an understanding of our world. Environmental teams have been formed addressing solid waste management, conservation of natural resources, and sustainability through the state’s TP3 program known as Reduce, Reuse and recycle. Mary Margaret’s Garden produces a monthly newsletter that outlines our student’s adventures.

High school students in physical science and general biology go to the learning center every other week. Advanced placement biology students go to the lab every other week to conduct the specific labs recognized by the advanced placement curriculum. Special techniques taught include DNA electrophoresis, transformation of the e- coli bacteria, photosynthesis, spectrophotometer, and others.

The goals of the outdoor learning center are to provide students an opportunity to develop a strong people-plant-animal connection. Mike Metallo, NGA president, further explains what a research based plant-animal-people provides in the overall learning process. "In an era of instant gratification and fast-moving technological innovation, there’s a lot to be said for getting back to our roots, digging in the dirt, sowing a bit of seed, and watching life spring from the ground."

Here at Fayette Academy we take a step further to include field studies of the animals that share our environment. We believe that the lessons learned from nurturing life, nature, and gardening teach us about the inter-connectivity of all living things. This type of "hands-on" learning has been thoroughly researched and provides the most effective teaching method. It engenders an enduring commitment for our students to make this world a better place today, tomorrow, and well into the future.

This unique learning center was designed and constructed by our 4th, 5th , 6th and 9th grade students. It continues to be maintained today with the help of many of our students and the newly formed Ecology/Garden Club. Look around the county; you will find our students working hard to educate our community, providing community service for the needy, and getting outside and celebrating wildlife.

Outdoor garden memorial reads: This garden is dedicated with love to Mary Margaret Pilcher whose life reminds us of the beauty of butterflies, flowers and rainbows.

National and Regional Awards:

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