APPLIED SCIENCE - STRAW BALE MUSHROOM CULTIVATION ROOM

Applicant:

Bruce Potter and Dennis Hogan

Student Group/Teachers/Community Members/Partnerships Involved:

Bruce Potter, Dennis Hogan, Applied Science Student Group, networks with other NCRCN schools.

Connections:

How will the projects connect with the theme of people, history and place?

The community will be involved in building and volunteer efforts to complete the Straw Bale Room, the community will be encourage to donate excess hardwoods thus demonstrating the use of hardwood byproducts to aid sustainable forestry. Local builders will be encouraged to participate and use the straw bale construction as a resource for possible future building of affordable housing.

How will the project interact with the community? (see above)

The completion of the project will allow us to expand the small business started last year.

How will the project connect with other NCRCN members/sites?

By sharing information on gardening and composting methodologies, teleconferencing to teach other sites straw bale construction, plant tissue culture, mushroom propagation and hardwood processing, field trips to other sites to collaborate, hosting other school visits to tour and learn from our students.

Student Learning:

How will the project improve student learning in relation to Holistic Learner Outcomes?

  • Self Directed Learner: Students must be able to work on their own and with others whenever necessary to complete the building.

  • Community Contributor: By developing small businesses and creating more industry to benefit the community.

  • Constructive Thinker: By creating a real business with all the associated problems that will need concrete and resourceful answers.

  • Quality Producer:The products of this project will be sold in the local community.

  • Effective Communicator: This project requires students to integrate disciplines and apply concepts from the fields of math, science, marketing, communication of ideas, and industrial arts.

Support:

What kind of support would you like from the coordinator?

Help with supervision of students and work crews. Resources with other network schools and community connections.

If you are applying for funds, what will you use the money for?

Supplies to finish the Straw Bale Mushroom Cultivation Room, gardening supplies and improvement of watering system in garden.

What other sources might provide additional funding for your project?

Ecoliteracy and local businesses and community members.