Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
School Gardens! with
Introductions
Andrew Blair, Waukon
Regan O’Hanlon, Ottumwa
Session Agenda - Where we’re going
● Why School Gardens?● Stories from service: Waukon and Ottumwa ● Garden Produce Safety ● Lesson Demo and Small Group Discussions ● Resources and Questions
Why school gardens?
Hillis School Garden in Des Moines, IA
Improved academic performance
Increased consumption of vegetables and fruits by
students and their parents
Improved student behavior
Why school gardens? (besides this!)Improved academic performance
2013 report, Review of Educational Research:Garden-based learning →
1. Direct academic outcomes for science, language arts, and math
2. Improvements in social development, their sense of self-esteem, and ability to work in groups
2010 report, Journal of Environmental EducationSchool Gardens →
1. Academic outcomes in science, math, and social studies
2. Increased critical thinking skills
Spring green harvest at Family Garden Club, Des Moines
Why school gardens? (besides this!)Increased consumption of vegetables and fruits by students & their parents // health outcomes
2015 research article, School Health “School Garden Enhance Academic Performance
and Dietary Outcomes for Children”
2012 study, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsSchool gardens + cooking lessons
2012 study, Journal of Nutrition Education and BehaviorSchool-based kitchen garden program →
more veggies in home purchasing, too
Late summer melon ‘harvest’ at Hillis, Des Moines
Why school gardens? (besides this!)
Improved student behavior
2005 study, HortTechnology JournalGarden Program → Interpersonal & cooperative skills
2004 study, Human-Environment Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois
Engagement in nature → Reduced symptoms of ADD
2002 study, Nature Nurtures: Investigating the Potential of School Grounds
Increased teacher’s enthusiasm for work!
“Putting the Garden to Bed” at Hillis, Des Moines
The research shows...SCHOOL GARDENS WORK!
Stories From service
Stories From service: Waukon, IA
Stories From service: Waukon, IA
Food Safety In The Garden● Keep it Simple
● Get District Approval
● Work With Cafeteria Staff
● Wash - hands, produce
● Sanitize - containers, surfaces, utensils
● Store - unused produce safely, give instructions to students and families that consume produce from the garden
Lesson Demo - Planting seeds for food and moreHorticultural Therapy for...
● Motor skills● Balance● Observation● Experimentation● Systems Thinking
Small Group discussions (10 minutes)Find a table and a topic:
■ How to get a garden started at your school/site■ School garden sustainability - engaging teachers■ Community partnerships and fundraising ■ Gardening in the summer/school is out■ Curriculum connections
Share out your highlights and ideas!
Resources and Questions Extension Connections: ● Master Gardeners● School Garden 101
Iowa Farm to School Toolkit● Hosted on Dept of Public Health website
FoodCorps service members!
Thank you! Let’s keep connecting:Regan O’[email protected]
Andrew [email protected]
Follow us on Facebook! @FoodCorpsIowa
