Science & Torah merged in an immersive and fascinating way at STA Elementary, as Tu B'shvat approached. In advance of the New Year for Trees, we were introduced to our new composter by Chef Alex, who explained the process and benefits of composting. Students were excited to fill the composter with soil and earthworms, getting really close up to nature in action. We discussed the verse in the Torah regarding ‘Bal Tashchit’- ‘do not destroy fruit trees’, which taken further, mandates, not to waste food from trees or the earth. Elementary students joined in groups to decorate special compost collection buckets for each elementary and JPA class. To culminate the activity, refreshing home-made fruit smoothies were enjoyed by all!
On the actual day of Tu B'shvat, students gathered for a program in the Multi-purpose room, heard a special story and Tu B'shvat poems, and were then delighted with a Tu B'shvat Tasting! A colorful and delicious array of fruits was set out - exotic, fresh, and dried, including of course the traditional, ‘Shivat HaMinim’, 7 species with which the Land of Israel is blessed. Students enjoyed the various tastes and textures of grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, dates, dragon fruit, guava, grapefruit, apricots and more! Lessons for us, from a tree, came to life in classroom discussions and students prepared artwork, essays, songs, and more. Hey, don't forget to spread out your leafy branches of beautiful good deeds..and always remember to share your delicious fruits of kindness with others!
The Children in the Chickadees class watched in awe as Ms. Paris poured baking soda into red colored vinegar. It began to bubble and boil.