3rd grade field trip to the Centro de Biosistemas

Kingsley Ogbonna
Science Coordinator

As part of the gardening project in Zasqua, the third grade students, along with their science and homeroom teachers visited the Centro de Biosistemas of the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University on Monday, October 25. The students had the opportunity to visit the center’s seedling section. They had hands-on experience on how the plant germination process takes place with the use of a coconut growth medium. During the visit, they also looked at the importance of the insect and microorganisms in the soils such as predators in the control of other harmful insects/pests and diseases. The visit to the hydroponic form was an eye opener because students saw how plants (tomatoes for example) can be grown without the need of a soil. The centre creates its own compost from plant waste from their farm. Students were able to compare the process with what we have in Zasqua. The students were made to carry out a quick demonstration of field practice and in this experience, they learned how farmers dig little holes and space seeds in beds. On arrival back to school, some time was dedicated to reflecting and comparing their learnings from the Zasqua project and the Centro de Biosistemas activities.