This project introduces youth in North Minneapolis to hoop house vegetable production. We will develop a decision case study highlighting an experienced winter hoop house spinach producer, as well as additional curricular activities to teach students soil science, weed and pest management, and hoop house management. Tools will be developed by Grossman lab staff member, Anne Pfeiffer, under the supervision of Dr. Grossman at the University of Minnesota and in conjunction with Growing North. Growing North is a school-associated collaborative youth development program that builds food, environmental and cognitive justice through sustainable urban agriculture and community food systems.
Project objectives from proposal:
- Increase youth critical thinking skills through a Decision Case Study presenting farmer experiences using hoop houses for vegetable production.
- Provide hands-on, experiential STEM education including concepts in soil science, entomology, biology, and engineering.
- Increase capacity of urban youth from diverse backgrounds to grow vegetable crops during the school-year via training in hoop house production.
- Introduce youth to opportunities for business and market development through season extension and high value horticultural crop production.
- Share project results with at least 3 additional urban high schools that have farms integrated into their curriculum.