The ND FFA Foundation’s Ag in the Classroom grant program, offered in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, helps bring agricultural learning to life in classrooms across the state. In Chelsey Zaharia’s classroom, students immersed in the world of plant science through seed germination, propagation, and greenhouse management.
Program:Cavalier Ag Education
Teacher: Chelsey Zaharia
Impact: 70 students
Purpose:
Introduce students to the fundamentals of plant science by exploring germination, propagation, and greenhouse gardening through real experiences.
Objectives:
- Understand the key conditions for successful seed germination.
- Germinate, plant, and monitor bean seeds.
- Learn how to propagate succulents from parent plants.
- Gain hands-on experience with vegetable seed starting and plant care.
- Build ownership of greenhouse projects through student-led decision-making.
Students start seedlings in the classroom before transferring them to the greenhouse.
Throughout the school year, middle school students in introduction to agriculture classes conducted mini-experiments to explore what conditions are necessary for seed germination. Once they determined the optimal environment, each student germinated and grew their own bean plant, learning to monitor moisture, light, and temperature.
In the high school botany class, students took on a more advanced challenge—propagating succulents and starting garden vegetables from seed. These plants were nurtured in the school’s new greenhouse, which quickly filled with thriving greenery thanks to student care and curiosity.
More than 60 students participated in the germination unit, and nine botany students were responsible for greenhouse maintenance. Community engagement blossomed as well—parents and teachers followed the project’s progress online, commented enthusiastically on social media posts, and inquired about a future plant sale. Students beamed with pride as they watched the fruits (or rather, the sprouts) of their labor come to life.
This student-led greenhouse project not only strengthened science skills, but also encouraged responsibility, creativity, and an appreciation for North Dakota’s growing season.
