Arviat (Oct 04/06) - A classroom lesson took root with a group of Grade 2 students and blossomed into a unique learning experience this past month in Arviat.

Nancy Uluadluak was covering plants with her 19 students at Levi Angmak elementary school when she decided a field trip was in order.

A phone call later and the students were off to meet with Nadine Lamoureux at the greenhouse run in the community by the Roman Catholic Church.

Uluadluak says the students, who average six and seven years of age, were really impressed with what they saw at the greenhouse, and couldn't wait to taste some of the food grown there.

"They tried carrots, lettuce and a number of different herbs used for seasoning," says Uluadluak.

"Some were concerned the plants might taste terrible and asked what to expect before taking a bite.

"They liked almost everything, but it was funny to see some of the faces when they tried something they didn't like so much."

Uluadluak says the greenhouse proved itself to be an interesting operation.

She says she learned almost as much during the visit as her students did.

"Nadine (Lamoureux) explained how everything is done at the greenhouse.

"They collect rain water and have a little pump to circulate it around to the plants.

"The students really enjoyed seeing all the coloured flowers they have there."

That enjoyment intensified when it was time to return to class and each student was given a little flower to take with them.

Uluadluak says the students couldn't believe how well plants can grow in the Arctic.

"We received an extra bonus when Nadine gave us a Christmas cactus to take back and look after.

"The kids were pretty excited about it, even though it only has to be watered once every two weeks.

"It's only about the size of a cup, but it's a big hit for such a little plant."

Uluadluak is proud of the way her students behaved at the greenhouse.

She says they were all curious and very, very careful.

"They tried extra hard not to touch anything.

"They were really impressed when they started to realize they see the same herbs on pizza and spaghetti.

"That sure made an impact with them."