Why a School Garden?

Impact of a School Garden
As we partner with schools to create school gardens, discovery-based experiential learning opportunities abound for students. The school garden naturally becomes a resource for increased STEM education, access to healthy foods, and outdoor opportunities that promote good health. As collaboration with each school community develops, the school garden becomes an on-site greenspace that provides environmental education to the broader community.
“Sowing Seeds in a Community Near You…”
Hands-on application of PA State Standards concepts in a real world environment, assist schools in implementing the new STEELS standards, recipe preparation, repeated exposure to healthy fruits and vegetables, opportunity for observation and discovery, bring the community together around healthy food, and elevate the natural ecosystem
Provide opportunities for interdisciplinary lessons:
Promote good nutrition and exercise
Teach patience and responsibility
Instill a positive work ethic
Increase students’ self-esteem
Build classroom relationships, improve teamwork, and strengthen school spirit
Beautify the environment
Increase science achievement scores
Improve social skills and behavior
Improve life skills, including working with groups and self-understanding
Increase interest in eating fruits and vegetables and improve attitude toward fruits and vegetables
SCHOOL GARDENS
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS
NUTRITION EDUCATION
SHARED COMMUNITY GREENSPACE
ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY
THE EDIBLE CLASSROOM