helping kids grow alongside their plant.

work in progress | spring 2025 | 13 week sustainability studio

research + trend

statement + focus

How can we use technology for kids to our advantage instead of ignoring it or relying on it too much?

Sproutly:

The planter kit and digital app for children to learn more about themselves and the environment around them.

Brodie (age 8, left), Morgan (age 15, middle), and I (age 12, right) during an 8 mile hike in Skagway, Alaska.

prototyping + sketches*

Inspired by and dedicated to my parents, who always emphasized the importance of exploring more and traveling often at a young age.

90%

3. DECREASING CHANCES OF DEVELOPING DISEASES

Nimali Fernando, MD, PLC, PBS Kids for Parents

4. INCREASING LEARNING ABILITIES

Stephanie is a biologist, Cincinnati Public School teacher, educator at Krohn Conservatory, and a mother.

renders + mockups*

links to be updated!*

Children with a low exposure to green space have a 55% higher risk of developing a psychiatric disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorders.

Study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

2. INCREASING LEVELS OF CONFIDENCE AND MATURITY

After being encouraged to participate in outdoor activities over the course of several weeks,

of children reported feeling more confident in themselves.

of children felt they learned something new about the natural world.

81%

agreed that they had better relationships with their teachers.

“Consider the “hygiene hypothesis,” a theory that a lack of childhood exposure to germs actually increases a child’s susceptibility to diseases like asthma, allergies and autoimmune conditions by suppressing the development of the immune system. So getting dirty while gardening may actually strengthen a child’s immunity and overall health.”

Study by the Institute of Education at University College London (UCL).

What if…

Meet Stephanie Norton.

After leading me on a personal tour of Krohn Conservatory, Stephanie let me peruse the children’s activities she creates for field trip students. These activities encourage kids to be imaginative, whether this be by drawing a 400-year-old Bonzi tree in any colors they wanted, or learning the order of photosynthesis by coloring in the parts they understand.

During our conversation, she emphasized the importance of listening to children more often. Stephanie has worked with children both at the Cincinnati Public Schools for more than 15 years and at Krohn Conservatory for 10: she has found that kids’ curiosities tend to be most prevalent when they are encouraged to go outside. Curiosity and excitement drive innovation, and it starts with a younger generation.