I’m glad that NParks came up with this blog, cos it allows us to read others views.

Updates on my experience with Green Haven @ Kranji.

Recently, in trying to incorporate Teach Less Learn More (TLLM) initiative with my secondary 1 biology, we asked students to construct a food web based on organisms they saw in the Havenly Herbs Garden. Much to my surprise, I saw many students walking around during their recess times trying to gather as much info. I was very encouraged by that scene.

I went down to the students and answered many questions on the characteristics of certain plants, which purpose does specific features have and what uses they have.

For example, one student asked why there were snails on the Tongkat Ali plant, but none of the leaves have holes in them (meaning, none of the leaves were eaten by snails). That question is now going to start the next research project in Kranji.

Many students were amused by the Mock strawberry and Mock orange because they had never seen small replicas of strawberries and oranges. They were also very interested to see insects pollinating the flowers and had fun tasting the Cermai.

Recently another collegue took a group of students down to the garden to conduct lesson on the reproductive parts of a plant (the flower).

It’s very encouraging to such involvement in the garden. It can only get better as we conduct more tours (recently, for Family Day and Hong Kong exchange students) and lessons in the garden.

Hong Kong Exchange Students

- by Ms J Vanitha

Teacher from Kranji Secondary School