Spotlight on the Astellas STEM Garden

     On May 15, GrowingGreat, the Astellas USA Foundation and Para Los Niños Hollywood Head Start teachers and preschool students celebrated the opening of the school’s new STEM herb, fruit, and vegetable garden.  Astellas scientists Dr. Kendall Morrison and Dr. Karen Morrison (pictured below) teamed up with GrowingGreat educators to lead preschoolers through a hands-on investigation of apricots, avocados, cucumbers, lemons, and watermelons, followed by a sensory exploration of their new garden, fresh strawberries to munch on, a ribbon cutting ceremony and ladybug release.

     The Astellas USA Foundation generously supports GrowingGreat’s From Bean Seeds to Frijoles program, a partnership with Para Los Niños.  In its second year, the hands-on garden, nutrition, literacy and STEM program impacts English- and Spanish-speaking Los Angeles PreK-1st graders and their families in very low-income neighborhoods.

Snacking on Strawberries

Touring the Astellas STEM Garden

Smelling Lavender

Dr. Karen Morrison Leads Watermelon Investigation

Harvesting Mint

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Smelling Rosemary

Dr. Kendall Morrison Leads Apricot Investigation