Mud Valley Foundation is pleased to announce the completion of a school research project collaboration with Aspire International School (AIS).
In a 7-week program taking place from 29 January to 23 March, 2026, 9 students from AIS’s Ecology Club were exposed to the process of conducting scientific research, including the collection and analysis of data. The students set up and executed a school research project in which they planted and monitored radish plant growth from seed. They also learned about factors that affect soil health and crop quality. Specifically, the project tested several mixtures and types of compost, as well as a non-composted sample, so that the students could analyze the impact of compost treatments and learn to share their findings in a structured way. The students also wrote a research report on their findings after collecting and analyzing the final data (and taste testing the radishes they grew!)
The curriculum created by Mud Valley Foundation was a modified version of the Junior Internship program created in the spring of 2025, now adapted to be applicable to a classroom setting. In addition to providing the content, procedure, and materials, Mud Valley Foundation assisted with facilitating the program at the beginning and end of the project, and provided access to a soil health expert, Dr. Elodie da Silva of our Soil Lab. A tour of Mud Valley Foundation’s partner farm, Quinta Vale da Lama, was also provided in order to further the students’ knowledge about regenerative agriculture.
As a nonprofit working to expand awareness of ecosystem regeneration, Mud Valley Foundation offers programs such as this one in order to educate the wider community about soil health and monitoring.
👉 About Aspire International School: Located in Almancil, Portugal, AIS offers a values-led education for students aged 3 to 18 years, with a focus on small class sizes and personalized learning.
