Mr. Hank's Corner 11/6/17

Upper Elementary is learning about parts of a plant and down in the garden students had a chance to write and draw in their garden journals parts of a tomato plant. The fun discovery last week was that of a tobacco hornworm. Commonly known as the Carolina sphinx​ ​moth​ and the tobacco hawk moth (as adults) and the tobacco hornworm and the goliath worm (as larvae), it is closely related to and often confused with the very similar tomato​ hornworm (Manduca​ ​quinquemaculata​); the larvae of both feed on the foliage of various plants of the family. The tomato hornworm​ (Manduca quinquemaculata) is a huge green moth caterpillar that can grow 4 to 5 inches long as it feeds on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). It has white V-shaped stripes on each side of its green body.

Tobacco Hornworm Tomato​ Hornworm

San Diego weather is typically amazing year round but as the seasons change so should the foods we eat. Eating seasonally is not only better for the environment but it is important for your health to eat nutrient dense foods grown seasonally and locally. Right now is a great time to try squashes. With so many varieties from acorn to butternut there are many ways to sample squash into your weekly routine. Some of the benefits of squash include vitamins A, C, B6, Potassium and magnesium as well. Spaghetti squash baked in the oven finished with some olive oil, basil and grated parmesan cheese makes a simple and healthy way to enjoy squash. Also, during these next few weeks your lower elementary child may come home talking about the Iroquois tribes and the “Three Sisters”. Squash was a staple food with many Native Americans so eating squash connects both health and school in a fun way.

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