The BUGS program teaches children about life science through gardening, by using fun hands-on activities. This program allows children to experience and connect to nature all around them and directly through the garden. By learning about the interconnection of the elements of a garden (soil, water, sun, plants and animals), children will gain an understanding of the garden's life process and how it relates to themselves and the wider natural environment. It is designed to be supplementary to the Life Science that the children receive in class from their teacher.

BUGS was created at the Brittan Acres Elementary School of the San Carlos School District. In April 2007, BUGS was awarded the San Mateo County School Boards Association J. Russell Kent Award for excellence. We are grateful they are sharing this wonderful program with us.

Each month's lesson incorporates a particular theme. The lesson starts with a 10-15 minute whole class discussion, then the students assemble into groups of 5-6 and rotate through three activity stations (one of which is in the garden) for about 45 minutes total. There are seven sessions, one a month. This program is fully run by volunteers, approximately 3 per classroom.  The total volunteer time commitment for BUGS is typically between 1-2 hours per month.

All lessons are pre-designed, and all lesson materials are pre-assembled and packed into backpacks. Volunteers simply need to review the lesson materials (online or at the library), show up at the scheduled time, grab the lesson backpack, and unpack and present the lesson. Occasionally volunteers will need to bring in some common household items, such as newspaper or ice for a particular station. Volunteers also purchase plants twice per year, and are reimbursed by the BUGS program (limits apply).

There is no need for volunteers to be highly trained scientists. No experience is necessary!

Contact the BUGS coordinators with any questions or suggestions you may have about the program.  The program leader this year is Terene Dickson. Please send her an email at: McKinleyBUGS@gmail.com

Lesson Plans

Support Resources

• Garden Map
• Working with Students
• Tips & Tricks
• Planting in the BUGS Garden
• Fall Planting List
• Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities