Life Lab created this useful guide to the connections between our new science standards and garden lessons/activities.
Life Lab created this useful guide to the connections between Common Core standards and garden lessons/activities.
For a plant-by-plant curriculum guide, check out City Sprouts' wonderful guide to garden plants and their curricular connections.
Math
Geometry (symmetry, shapes, angles)
Measurement
Source of real-world problem solving (e.g., figuring out how many plants can fit in a garden plot, estimating & calculating crop yield)
ELA
Source of prompts for journaling, creative writing, descriptive writing, etc.
Writing skills (punctuation, sentence structure, etc.)
Vocabulary development
Storytelling & reading
Social Studies
How people have grown/collected/used food & plants throughout history and across cultures (e.g., native edible plant species, textiles)
Science
Seasonal connections to the growing cycle
Climate change/environmental awareness/stewardship
Creative & Performing Arts
Source material for art, music, drama projects
Garden design
Creative use of garden plants/produce
Other
Fine motor skill development (e.g., planting seeds, pulling weeds)
Gross motor skill development (e.g., digging, raking, weeding)
Nutrition (inspire interest in eating healthy foods)
Restorative health (e.g., decreased agitation, stress relief)
Collaborative skills
Communication skills
Self-esteem
Responsibility
*Source: Cornell Garden-Based Learning