Kiddie Science: Planting the seeds of science

How OUr 2021 Garden Grows

6/15/2021

The recent heavy rains followed by sunny weather resulted in a garden growth spurt! We established our garden during the weekend of May 1st, and below is where we are on June 15th. This year, we've grown the majority from seedlings from our plant sale, with the exception of the collards, kale, and lettuces which were all grown from seed. We've already been able to harvest some of the leafy greens on two separate occasions now (which were enjoyed by our chickens and turtle).

The dill is also grown from seed, which were harvested from last year's dill plants (which were grown from the previous year's seeds). Our front garden consists of three raised garden beds and milk crate planters.

Within a relatively small amount of space, on a busy avenue in Brooklyn, we are currently growing:
Three types of tomatoes (cherry, golden, and heirloom)
Georgia collards
Dinosaur kale
Cucumbers
Zucchini
Parsley
Dill
Two types of lettuce (red, and unknown variety)
Lady bell peppers
Jalapeños
Pollinator-friendly flowers
Basil
Eggplant

During the summer months, our young scientists registered for our in-person programs will assist with the care of the garden as we learn more about the plant life cycle, make connections to where our food comes from, and explore the natural world that exists right here in Brooklyn.

As you walk by the Lab, you'll be able to see our garden develop and blossom over the growing season. You can also connect with us on Instagram to see how our garden continues to grow. Welcome to the 2021 Kiddie Science Lab summer garden!

Introducing you to....

6/7/2021

There's two someone's we'd like you to meet! First is Rocky, a Barred Rock who is a little over six years old and has come to us at the Lab to live out the rest of her full life getting treats and love. She's incredibly smart and is very observant. She enjoys enrichment activities such as the hanging lettuce.

Next we have to re-introduce you to our Black Australorp who now has a name! We proudly introduce you to Spicy (full name Spicy Mildred).

Repairs and Upgrades

5/24/2021

Our last newsletter wasn't filled with the best news, and we put the call out for support in helping make repairs and simple upgrades to the Lab. Although the physical Lab space hasn't been utilized for its original purpose in over a year, it's been used in an array of different ways that meet the diverse needs of the local community we proudly serve.

In the time that we paused in-person programming we've hosted the local CSA and meat share programs, organized multiple community book swap events, held two plant sale fundraisers, hosted two helmet giveaway events, given away hundreds of mini science kits, and continued planting the seeds of science.

As we prepare for in-person programming this summer, your support makes it possible for us to maintain the community hub known as the Kiddie Science Lab. We want to share some of what your support makes possible. While most of the repairs and upgrades aren't huge or glamorous, they're impactful in providing our young scientists with a space that promotes fun while exploring science. Your tax deductible donation makes amazing things possible!

1,651 Books Later....

5/19/2021

It began with a simple request early on during the NYC lockdown. We needed books for the children in our community. The Brooklyn Book Bodega immediately responded to our request by dropping off the first 750 books to the Lab.

Since then, we've distributed books bundles, hosted book shopping times, community book swaps (and even a food drive!), and now there's a Little Free Library fully stocked for the readers in our community and available 24-7. This has all been possible thanks to the generous, ongoing support of the Brooklyn Book Bodega.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, June 3rd from 10am to 12pm for the Summer Reading Book Swap! We have board books, early readers, chapter books, picture books, young adult novels, and more! You can also donate your gently used children's books.

This event is made possible thanks to the generous, ongoing support of the Brooklyn Book Bodega. You can support their mission with a tax deductible donation.

Aquaponics Hydroponics

5/5/2021

What began as an aquaponics set-up has now transitioned to a hydroponic set-up. What's the difference? While both incorporate water as the central ingredient, the way nutrients are introduced into the system is what varies.

Originally, our water-based system was hooked up to the turtle habitat, in the hopes that the plants would utilize the excess nutrients for growth. What we quickly realized is our plants stalled in their growth which led us to conclude that there weren't enough excess nutrients (nitrogen, in particular) to go around. This meant we would need to add nutrients into the system, but doing so would affect the pH of the turtle habitat.

We made the decision to transition to a hydroponics system, where water would be cycled in a closed bucket system versus the turtle habitat. This means we can adjust nutrient levels as needed without negative impact to Spaghetti, our turtle.

Some of our plants have been transitioned outside, and we've since made new additions. Currently, almost all 36 the growing pods have been filled with a plant! Highlights include gherkin, jalapenos, bell peppers, assorted herbs, chard, fancy lettuce, and more!

<<Previous

How OUr 2021 Garden Grows

Introducing you to....

Repairs and Upgrades

1,651 Books Later....

Aquaponics Hydroponics

BLOG TOPICS: