However, planting methods have changed since 1982. My 5th graders didn't plant 20 trees, but 500 in a high-density planting pattern in the spring of 1998. The Tonasket 5th Grade Orchard Project is a one-acre organic apple orchard located behind the Tonasket Elementary School. There are 12 rows of apple trees with about 45 trees in each row. The orchard is surrounded by an 8-foot deer fence.
Students maintain the orchard, except during the summer months.
Writing a curriculum for the orchard project has been a slow process. This grant allows release time to research and write science and math lessons directly related to the orchard. These lessons will be published on the Tonasket School District Home Page during the 1999-2000 school year. Now, students everywhere will have the opportunity to learn science, math, business, and agriculture through the apple orchard.