K-12 STEM Programs
Permaculture Pods
Educating a new generation of nature-based scientists and engineers.
Chiwara Permaculture STEM Pods introduce students to and engage them in the concepts of biomimicry, agro-ecology, appropriate technology, and systems thinking.
We believe permaculture is a powerful vehicle for STEM education and problem-based learning, and to that end, we research and educate through permaculture solutions to community problems.
The teacher’s research is combined with the student’s learning. We research and design solutions together, for the communities we live in. We facilitate problem based permaculture courses in Ann Arbor and Detroit.
The teacher’s research is combined with the student’s learning. We research and design solutions together, for the communities we live in. We facilitate problem based permaculture courses in Ann Arbor and Detroit.
Video: What To EXPECT!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2DmNOJ8PC4
This is our recommended starting place for permaculture education. Students are introduced to biomimicry and systems thinking through hands-on forest ecology. This pod can be as short as 2 hours or 4 sessions within 2 days. Overnight lessons are also an option.
Topics Covered:
-Tools of a Permaculture Scientist
-Nature as Classroom: An Intro to Biomimicry
-Closed Loop Systems: There is no such thing as waste in Nature
-Annual and Perennial Plants
-The Importance of Soil
-The Functions of Plants
-Wild Edibles, Fibers and Medicine
-Monocultures and Polycultures: Human design vs. Nature design
-Nature loves Bio-diversity
-Agri-Science and Agro-Ecology: Designing systems that are integrated with Nature
-Nature as Classroom: An Intro to Biomimicry
-Closed Loop Systems: There is no such thing as waste in Nature
-Annual and Perennial Plants
-The Importance of Soil
-The Functions of Plants
-Wild Edibles, Fibers and Medicine
-Monocultures and Polycultures: Human design vs. Nature design
-Nature loves Bio-diversity
-Agri-Science and Agro-Ecology: Designing systems that are integrated with Nature
R&D Lab
The Chiwara House is a community-based R&D lab. Here we combine cutting-edge permaculture research with innovative education programs in 6 main areas: food, energy, water, building, transportation, and waste. This is a 2-4 hour pod that can develop into an extended, multiple week research project.
Topics Covered:
-The Permaculture Principles & Ethics
-Agro-ecology: Edible Forest Gardens
(Perennial Polycultures)
-Cold Frames and Season Extension
-Solar PV panel
-Solar thermal panel
-Rain water harvesting
-Earth Oven & Natural Building
-Stacking functions
-48v Solar electric vehicle
-Compost Systems
-Permaculture Site Design
-Agro-ecology: Edible Forest Gardens
(Perennial Polycultures)
-Cold Frames and Season Extension
-Solar PV panel
-Solar thermal panel
-Rain water harvesting
-Earth Oven & Natural Building
-Stacking functions
-48v Solar electric vehicle
-Compost Systems
-Permaculture Site Design
The PERMAcycle Pod:
The PERMAcycle is a closed-loop, hands-on food and energy production center. The PERMAcycle pod includes a 2-hour presentation at the Chiwara house or at your school. A 2-day, interactive option is available, where students will get to design and build their own PERMAcycle.
Topics Covered:
-Energy
-Electricity & Efficiency
-Appropriate Technology & Bio-mimicry
-Closed Loop Systems and Engineering
The PERMAnalysis Pod:
The PERMAnalysis pod is designed to train high school and college students to perform a permaculture-based home energy audit, culminating in a certificate upon completion. The PERMAnalysis training pod can range between 1-4 weeks, consisting of both school and home visits.
PERMAnalysis Components:
-Homeowner Goals Consultation
-Infrared Home Image Analysis
-Home Energy Systems Analysis
-Renewable Energy Site Evaluation
-Soil Testing & Food Production Plan
-Home Water Use Analysis
-Grey Water System Evaluation
-Home Waste Diagnostic
-Community Resource Map
-Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship
-Home Energy Systems Analysis
-Renewable Energy Site Evaluation
-Soil Testing & Food Production Plan
-Home Water Use Analysis
-Grey Water System Evaluation
-Home Waste Diagnostic
-Community Resource Map
-Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Hybrid Turbine Research Project
College Programs
Cottage Food Law
Intro To Permaculture
Permaculture Intensive
University Programs
Adult/Workforce Training Programs
2 Day Permaculture Intensive
Timeline
