Fourth graders at Wiscasset Elementary School had a flavorful lesson in both gardening and math as they used fresh basil from their hydroponic garden to make pesto. The garden, funded by a generous grant from Maine Agriculture in the Classroom, has been an exciting hands-on project for students to explore gardening practices and nutrition.

The students harvested basil from their hydroponic setup and used it to create a delicious batch of pesto. The hands-on cooking lesson went beyond just culinary skills. It was also a chance for students to apply their math knowledge. To make enough pesto for the class, the students had to triple the recipe, practicing their fraction skills to ensure they measured the ingredients correctly.

After preparing the pesto, it was mixed into pasta and enjoyed by the class. For some, it was their first time tasting pesto, and they were thrilled to discover a new favorite dish. Several students who had never had pesto before expressed their love for this new flavor.

The hydroponic garden at WES is part of the Maine Agriculture in the Classroom’s initiative to promote agricultural education and healthy eating habits among students. With more opportunities like this, the students are learning valuable academic skills and gaining a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from.