Students at Oak Run Middle School enjoyed the fruits of their labor Monday when they planted the last of 36 fruit trees in the new campus orchard as part of the Fruit Tree 101 Program.
Together, the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation and FruitaBu Smooshed Fruit snacks donated fruit trees and shrubs to create an outdoor classroom.
The program travels around the nation educating children about the importance of trees and how planting them will help future generations.
“We really want to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards,” said Cem Akin, director of the foundation.
“Kids can learn where their food is coming from and how these trees will benefit their children,” Akin said.
Students also learned about the advantages of incorporating fruit into their diet, especially during such developmental years.
“It’s crucial for them because their bodies are changing so rapidly,” said Katherine Drotos, health educator for the foundation. “It’s important to set up healthy eating habits that will continue for the rest of their lives.”
Science and math teacher Dave Heefner emphasized the impact of getting kids out of the classroom so they can see science working.
“I’m a visual learner myself,” Heefner said. “You can open up a book and study, but seeing it is much more helpful.”
Seventh-grader Sibby Alcala helped design the layout of the orchard and plans to continue expanding on what she has learned.
“Because of this program, I planted a garden at my own house,” Alcala said.
“It was really cool making plans for the orchard and learning about the trees,” she said.
For Heefner, the students’ experience taught them more than just science.
“They’re learning problem-solving skills,” Heefner said. “They had to use math to draw up the plans for the orchard and research which fruits would grow best in this environment. It’s important that they continue to answer questions though problem-solving and hands-on activities.”
