2014 Winner: Bringing Learning to Life: Utilizing Gardens as Tools for Experiential Education and Assessing the 2014 California School Garden Survey

Project Information
Bringing Learning to Life: Utilizing Gardens as Tools for Experiential Education and Assessing the 2014 California School Garden Survey
Social Sciences
Environmental Studies
My senior internship research project involved running the California School Garden Survey for Life Lab, a garden-based education organization located on the UC Santa Cruz Farm. The goal/purpose of this survey, which was also conducted in 2012, is to gain a broad view of the state of garden-based education in California. This includes basic information about the gardens and what is grown in them, what is done with the food grown, who does the most instruction and on-site management of the garden, what subjects are taught in the garden, and what factors (such as curriculum guides, funding, teacher workshops, etc.) would be most beneficial, among many other topics. In addition, if a school does not have a garden, respondents were able to signify the factors that are most influential in limiting their school’s ability to have a garden. This data will be a huge resource for Life Lab, as the organization works to extend its influence and impact to California schools in the most effective way possible.

In addition to my research involving the California School Garden Survey, my project also incorporates relevant literature in the field of garden-based education to discuss the importance and necessity of school garden programs. These programs are extremely beneficial because they enrich students learning of standardized subject material, promote environmental and nutrition education, and instill a life-long love of learning within students.
Students
  • Sarah Diane Hendrix (Stevenson)
Mentors