Garden to plate : the effects of garden-based learning on student understanding and environmental engagement

Abstract

In this investigation, student participation in the on-campus organic garden project was used to determine whether being part of such a project encouraged student learning and environmental awareness. Students rotated through the garden project on a trimester basis in groups of six or seven and were given responsibility for all aspects of the garden program from choosing which seeds to plant to running the monthly campus farmers' market. Weekly blog posts, survey and questionnaire responses, teacher observations and interview responses were analyzed to determine the effects of working in the garden on the students. Results showed that student interest in gardening increased over the course of the project assignment, as well as knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices. Connections to content learned in the classroom were also strengthened through student involvement in the garden project.