All Aboard the Magic Soil Bus: Bringing K-12 STEAM Education to LA Students

K-12 STEAM education

Applying a proven solution to a new issue or sector (using an existing model, tool, resource, strategy, etc. for a new purpose)

Just as our soils require a diversity of organisms and processes to generate a flourishing ecosystem, students require a diversity of STEAM educators and resources to prepare and inspire them as the next generation of climate leaders. Only 18.8% of economically disadvantaged students in California Title 1 schools met or exceeded the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for their grade level in 2020, compared to 46.3% of non-economically disadvantaged students. It is no wonder, as statistics reveal a staggering shortage of STEAM education instructors and resources across predominantly low-income, Latino/a/e and Black student populations, with less than 10% of California elementary students engaging in hands-on science instruction at all. To address this issue, LA Compost has developed a unique and innovative learning opportunity for schools seeking additional STEAM educators and curricula for their students; The Magic Soil Bus.

Through hands-on composting and soil health education, LA Compost has guided thousands of Angelenos in experiencing how compost enriches the soil that grows their food, fortifies their favorite green spaces, and anchors the shade trees in their neighborhoods. Aligned with LA Compost’s educational ethos, our organization believes there are critical STEAM educational opportunities for K-12 students through a hands-on soil science curriculum. LA Compost will address challenges to diversity and resource equity within K-12 STEAM public school education through an exciting new education initiative; The Magic Soil Bus. This electric mobile education unit will bring the wonders of soil to public school campuses and community events. Our diverse staff will support students and educators alike in enhancing their access to hands-on STEAM education through activities including soil microscopy, soil testing and experimentation, composting and planting, engaging with cultural connections to our soils, and engaging with soil through art. Ultimately, this project will bolster students’ NGSS science standard competencies and foster the next generation of climate leaders.

If successful, LA Compost’s Magic Soil Bus will provide supplemental STEAM education services to students and educators across Los Angeles County Title 1 K-12 public schools, increasing their environmental awareness and NGSS science standard competencies through connections to the soil ecosystem. Additionally, the Magic Soil Bus will promote sustainable home and school campus practices, encouraging students, teachers and their families to adopt eco-friendly habits such as reducing food waste and composting. Beyond the grant period, LA Compost’s educational efforts will ultimately reach additional schools, and mobilize more community members in organic waste diversion and soil health initiatives. Our long-term goal is to scale up to a fleet of Magic Soil Bus education electric vehicles, increasing our organizational capacity to provide STEAM education visits to more Title 1 school communities in Los Angeles County.

During the grant period, LA Compost Education Program staff will assess the impact of our school campus visits and post-visit classroom activities through pre/post surveys to assess students’ changes in NGSS-aligned knowledge. Additionally, staff will solicit youth feedback on their favorite and least favorite activities, schedule educator and school administrator interviews to gain valuable insights regarding the program’s strengths, areas for improvement, and school community resource needs.