The goal of this project is to install an indoor living green wall that serves as a dynamic, hands-on laboratory for middle school earth science students while boosting overall well-being. By integrating this vertical garden into the curriculum, students will directly interact with active Earth systems to study the human-impact on the environment, the water cycle, and plant biology through engaging, project-based learning.
Additionally, the living wall will naturally improve the school ecosystem by cooling surrounding brick areas, purifying surrounding air, reducing carbon dioxide levels, and dampening hallway noise to create a focused, low-stress environment. Ultimately, this project will transform an everyday school space into a living educational tool that inspires critical thinking, deepens ecological awareness, and improves academic performance.
Students will use the living green wall as an active, outdoor science laboratory through project-based learning. In Earth science units, students will monitor the wall to study the water cycle, tracking how water and air moves the various spheres : into the soil, and back into the atmosphere through plant transpiration.
To explore human-impact on the environment, students will use air quality monitors to test how the wall reduces carbon dioxide levels and purifies campus air over time. Additionally, students will take on the role of environmental caretakers. Working in teams, they will use critical thinking to manage the wall's health, measuring soil moisture, adjusting light exposure, and calculating nutrient needs. They will also apply geometry and engineering concepts to map out plant placement based on growth patterns. Through these daily, direct interactions, students will connect abstract ecological concepts to a real, functioning ecosystem.
One benefit of the living green wall is its proven ability to elevate academic performance and boost test scores. Research indicates that views of greenery and the presence of indoor plants can increase student memory retention by approximately 20 percent. By absorbing and deflecting distracting background noise from hallways and playgrounds, the wall creates an optimal testing and learning environment. Furthermore, the living wall acts as a hands-on Earth science laboratory, transforming abstract curriculum concepts into concrete experiences that directly improve standardized test scores in science and math.
Equally important of a benefit of the living green wall is the profound, positive impact it has on middle school student mental health and well-being. Middle school can be a time of high stress and academic anxiety; the vertical garden acts as a natural catalyst to slow heart rates and promote relaxation.
Additionally, the plants improve the physical health of our campus by absorbing carbon dioxide and purifying the air, which drastically reduces student headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. This creates a safe, peaceful sanctuary that restores student focus and fosters emotional resilience.
As a group collaborative project that will require active responsibility, managing the wall teaches students critical thinking and teamwork as they track soil health and keep a real ecosystem alive.
The requested funds will be used to purchase and install a complete living green wall system, science measurement tools, and educational materials. This funding will transform a blank school wall into an active Earth science laboratory and student wellness feature. Every dollar requested directly supports the purchase of physical materials required to build the ecosystem and the tools students need to study it.
Vertical Wall Infrastructure: Funding will cover the modular wall panels, mounting brackets, and a automated drip irrigation system to keep the plants alive efficiently.
Living Plants and Soil: Funds will purchase approximately 1,500 diverse, air-purifying plants (such as Ferns, Philodendrons, Coleus, Creeping Fig, and Pothos) and specialized growing media to build the ecosystem.
~Earth Science Testing Tools: Funding will buy student-friendly digital air quality monitors (to measure carbon dioxide) and light intensity levels.
~Portable 3 in 1 Air Quality Monitor Temperature, Humidity, Air Quality
~Light Meter Digital Illuminance Meter Handheld Ambient Temperature Measurer, Range up to 200,000 Lux, Luxmeter with 4 Digit Color LCD Screen
619.00
Metal Planter Box with Trellis (Set of 2) (Set of 2) By Latitude Run®
299.00
6 Bags Organic Raised Bed and Potting Mix, All Natural Premium Soil 2 cu. ft
