Welcome to the Teachers' Corner. Here you'll find information to help you integrate garden-based learning into plans, as well as field trip ideas, student contests and scholarships, and awards that recognize your efforts.Read the article below, or click here to zip down to many more resources.
Ideas for the Classroom
by Anne Nagro
Spring is finally here and everyone is itching to get outdoors. Here are some ways to bring the outdoors in, as well as make the most of your time outside.
For young students, practice sorting and classifying seeds by shape, color and size. Then, wrap some larger seeds, like bean seeds, in a damp paper towel and enclose in a plastic storage bag. Check every few days ~ children will be amazed at the process of germination! This also is a great activity for older students learning about the plant lifecycle. Links to seed sorting activities and garden-based lessons can be found here. Visit this page for tips on planting seeds indoors and starting a school garden
Citizen science projects let students contribute to the greater scientific community. Numerous programs seek help tracking and monitoring butterflies, bees, lady bugs, fireflies and frogs. Others teach through growing bulbs and monitoring blooming plants. Check out some of the citizen science projects we have on our site.
For many schools, spring is field trip time. Parks and gardens designed for young people are fun places for hands-on learning. Here are some favorites, plus a list of gardens across the country:.
Connect language arts to the garden by reading a favorite book and creating a garden based on that theme, either on paper or in the ground. You might try a Peter Rabbit garden for younger children or even a Harry Potter garden. Get children involved and get creative! Read Our Generous Garden (Nuestra Huerta Generosa in Spanish) or Our Super Garden (Nuestro Super Jardin) to get students excited about how gardens can change a community and how to eat healthy by eating what we grow.
Lessons & Curricula
Garden-based lesson plans, many meeting state teaching standards
Citizen Science Garden Activities
Garden-based activities and citizen science projects
Student Contests & Scholarships
Fun ways to get children involved and maybe even win something!
Field Trips
Ideas for hands-on learning outings
School & After-School Garden Programs
Groups that provide schools and community garden-based education
Educator Awards & Recognition
Get recognized for your passion for environmental education
Workshops & Training
Seminars, meetings and learning opportunities
