The Life Lab idea for a “living laboratory” began in 1978 in a small garden developed by students and teachers at Green Acres Elementary School in Santa Cruz, California. Teachers there soon discovered that their students were learning science from gardening and enjoying it thoroughly. The idea grew and developed rapidly, attracting attention from other school districts, parents, universities, and community leaders. Since its formation as a non-profit organization in 1979, Life Lab has been a national leader in the development of hands-on, garden-centered science curricula and effective professional development programs.

Life Lab is now located on the beautiful campus of the University of California, Santa Cruz, and collaborates closely with many groups in the educational and environmental community. Currently established in over 1,000 schools nationwide, Life Lab programs continue to innovate and provide leadership in science education. Life Lab programs are unique in their emphasis on the integration of educational content and excel at linking science to all areas of learning, particularly language acquisition, nutrition, and stewardship of the natural world.

Please Visit: www.lifelab.org for more information

Recognition for Life Lab

Life Lab has won numerous awards for its work and has been acclaimed by the following groups and individuals, among others:

• National Science Teachers Association
• National Science Foundation
• National Science Resources Center/Smithsonian Institute
• California School Boards Association
• U.S. Department of Education
• National Academy of Sciences
• U.S. Representative Sam Farr
• California Senator Bruce McPherson

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