This past year Provine High School added the Scientific Innovation Academy to its curriculum. The Scientific Innovation Academy is responsible for constructing, cultivating and maintaining Provine’s sustainable garden. Students work in the garden twice a week and the garden is completely organic, utilizing a no till method for harvesting produce.

Provine’s students have planted peppers, corn, melons, carrots, broccoli, shard, greens and other produce and plants. They also have incorporated lessons on the lifespan of butterflies, in which students learn about the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly.

Provine is grateful to have been supported by the Junior League of Jackson, Partners in Education, Walmart (Hwy 18), Chef Nick Wallace, Lowes, Home Depot and West Jackson community residents. The teachers who teach the students how to cultivate and maintain the garden are Ms. Laquanda Sims, Mrs. Tammy Cox, Mr. Freeman and Mr. Kendrick Walker, Ms. Sims has a degree in Botany from Millsaps, Mrs. Cox has a degree in Biology and Mr. Walker has a degree in Physics from Jackson State University.

Ms. Burgess is the lead teacher at Provine High School for the Scientific Innovation Academy. She will be working in the garden over the summer and preparing it for the students when they return in the fall. For more information about the Scientific Innovation Academy please email Ms. Burgess at nimba.burgess@gmail.com.

Below are pictures from the garden.