Some projects stay with you long after they’re done. They shape not only the space where they unfold but also the people involved. For me, the STEAM Garden at Canadian School is one of those projects—a beautiful intersection of creativity, purpose, and learning.
The Spark: Planting the Seeds of a Vision
It began with a dream to bring STEAM education—science, technology, engineering, art, and math—out of the classroom and into a living, breathing space. At the heart of this idea was Miss Sandra, the school’s passionate librarian, who loved Monarch butterflies and initiated the vision for a garden where students could learn through nature.
Our expectation was to create not just a garden, but a dynamic learning environment:
- A space where students could observe, experiment, and create.
- A way to connect teachers’ hobbies and passions—like Miss Sandra’s—with the curriculum.
- An opportunity to foster curiosity and develop real-world skills through hands-on projects.
As we developed the concept, we imagined a garden that was interdisciplinary: a place for biology, math, engineering, and art to meet in a meaningful, engaging way.
Designing the Dream: A Collaborative Blueprint
Though the project wasn’t built, the process of designing it was rich with collaboration and creative energy. We mapped out:
- Native plants to attract butterflies and teach ecosystems.
- Student-driven projects, like designing irrigation or measuring plant growth.
- Artistic spaces where students could express what they learned visually.
The garden was also meant to be a teacher’s tool, allowing them to bring their own interests into lessons, making education more personal and connected.
AI in Action: Innovating Beyond the Garden
While the garden stayed in concept, another powerful part of this project was the use of Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic planning. I integrated AI tools to refine the cartas didácticas—the key documents used to structure classes with teachers.
AI helped us:
- Streamline content, making sure objectives and activities were clear and aligned.
- Personalize plans to match teachers’ strengths and student needs.
- Improve coherence, ensuring that every part of the academic plan supported a unified learning experience.
This innovation allowed for a more dynamic and responsive approach to lesson planning, helping teachers visualize how their classes could connect with the STEAM Garden vision.
A Project Close to My Heart
Even though the STEAM Garden wasn’t realized, the process of imagining, designing, and planning it was incredibly meaningful. I loved the idea of connecting education with nature, and of creating spaces where students and teachers could explore together.
It reminded me that instructional design is as much about vision as it is about execution. Sometimes, the act of dreaming up something new—of pushing boundaries and blending creativity with structure—can be just as valuable as the final product.
A Vision That Lives On
The garden may not exist physically, but its spirit lives on in my approach to design. It’s a reminder of the power of ideas, of collaboration, and of how education can be shaped by passion and possibility.
This project strengthened my ability to:
- Lead creative initiatives.
- Use AI as a tool for improving learning experiences.
- Design with purpose, even in the face of uncertainty.
And while Canadian School and I parted ways before this dream could take root, I carry forward the lessons, ready to bring similar visions to life wherever the opportunity arises.