Alexandria Hollett

“El poder de la planta/Cross curricular plant unit” was developed by Hollett to analyze the costs and benefits of urban gardening. Although urban gardening is no longer a new concept, many of the students and their families do not have the resources or time to start a project like this on their own. The project will create a Healthy Habits initiative at the school that includes sustainability practices. The students will interview community members, migrant farmers, and grocery workers to learn more about how produce is disseminated throughout the community. They will also plant and care for vegetables using the expertise and experience of family and community members, teach other students about urban gardening and provide practical tips on how to interact respectfully with the natural world. Lastly, they will organize a committee of students and parent volunteers to care for the garden during the summer months when the school is not in session. Due to the interactive nature of “El poder de la planta,” the entire school community will be affected by this project. It will serve as a foundation upon which students can begin to advocate for their own futures and the futures of their children. Hollett lives in Chicago.