Sept 14 Exit Slip Thinking about learning gardens

To begin, I am thrilled to see many universities are promoting learning outside of a traditional classroom. The many underlying reasons behind learning outside in a garden gives rise to many experiences a student cannot encounter inside. It is possible for more human interactions with the outside environment even in these busy technology-centered times. Teaching outside can unlock new opportunities to discuss what is taught in the class lecture and connect it with the natural world. Further, UBC is a leading advocate in teaching and learning gardens and it was encouraging to see many programs organized for the recognition of indigenous traditions and allow seniors and school children to visit and explore. Even in the midst of many trials, this institution continues its efforts in fighting for a more eco-friendly method of learning. For me to see this, it brings some light to know that the future classrooms won't have to look like those in Astro Boy. Students can glean much more in life while being in a surrounding so close to the heart of where we came from. This usually brings a sense of enlightenment to them, but I guess there are times where they might not enjoy it as much. I say this since there are many things in life that are in our minds that eat up our appetite for enjoyment in these wonderful things that should be so dear to us. Tackling this may be hard at first, but adapting takes time and the end result is worth it! To utilize the garden for learning exercises, one activity we did in class was to use our fists to estimate the angle of elevation of the Sun. There is sufficient space for students to get up and move around without being too energetic - sweating like in gym class. Of course, this should be done weather permitting. In terms of math, the students could analyze and see the vines growing on horizontal rods that behave similar to sinusoidal waves. The self similarity of the buds and leaves is a clear depiction of fractals. Many natural elements also follow the golden ratio (which comes from the Fibonnaci sequence). This ratio is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and it's no wonder that it shows up first in nature before humans can [try to] replicate its beauty.