Positive Impacts of School Gardens on Academic Success
What are the Impacts of School
Gardens on Academic Success?
Slow Food USA
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by Sarah A. Moore, Morgan Apicella, Sallie A. Marston and Moses Thompson (2012)
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hands-on garden curriculum in
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2-hour weekly gardening
lessons
science achievement tests
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intervention & control groups
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by C.D. Klemmer, T.M. Waliczek, J.M. Zajicek (2005)
no significant difference in
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females
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Combined school gardening
lessons with science curriculum
in 7 elementary schools
Intervention students received
full-day gardening training
program
Intervention & control students
tested pre- & post-program
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by A.E. Pigg, T.M. Waliczek, and J.M. Zajicek (2006)
What are
the Impacts
of School
Gardens on
Academic
Success?
The impacts of school gardens on academic success are evident through increased test scores in students who participate in gardening activities, hands-on learning integrating various subjects, and improved science scores. Studies reveal the benefits of school gardens in enhancing academic instruction, promoting experiential learning in science and food education, and improving the ecological complexity of schoolyards. Overall, school gardens play a significant role in boosting academic achievement and fostering a deeper understanding of ecological systems and food.
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What are the Impacts of School Gardens on Academic Success? Slow Food USA
Study 1: Review of School Gardening Benefits on Academic Success Article Details Study Outcomes Main Findings 9/12 studies revealed a positive difference in test scores between students who gardened and those who did not Hands-on learning via gardening integrates science, math, and other subjects The Child in the Garden: An Evaluative Review of the Benefits of School Gardening by Dorothy Blair (2010) Common theme found: school gardens provided a diversity of environmental stewardship, math, and science- education opportunities The author conducted a literature review of studies on children s gardening and impacts on academic achievement and food literacy Blair focuses on gardens positive impacts, including results revealed through standardized testing scores, GPA, and qualitative feedback The author emphasizes the importance of gardening on children s understanding of food & ecological systems and experiential learning Science scores were increased in all studies in which students gardened 72% of 4th-grade teachers thought gardens were important for enhancing academic instruction Author concludes that gardens can improve the ecological complexity of the schoolyard in ways that promote experiential learning particularly in the areas of science and food education 53% of teachers indicated gardens were effective at enhancing science subjects
Study 1: Review of School Gardening Benefits on Academic Success The Child in the Garden: An Evaluative Review of the Benefits of School Gardening by Dorothy Blair (2010) 9/12 studies revealed a positive difference in test scores between students who gardened and those who did not LITERATURE REVIEW Review of studies on children s gardening & their impacts on academic achievement Science scores were increased in all studies in which students gardened Gardens can improve the ecological complexity of the schoolyard in ways that promote experiential learning particularly in the areas of science
Study 2: School Garden Program Aimed at Science Development Article Details Program Outcomes Main Findings Barriers were encountered, including: Lack of individuals leading gardening program Students were able to observe science in action through plant & soil science in the gardening lessons Designing Nature for Learning: School Gardens for Youth and Child Education by Sarah A. Moore, Morgan Apicella, Sallie A. Marston and Moses Thompson (2012) Funding Gardens provided students with the opportunity to apply their math & science education in the gardening context Incorporating gardens into school curriculum School garden program was developed in an Arizona elementary school aimed at academic growth, community involvement, and access to healthy food These were overcome by: Creating a garden committee Authors propose that school gardens are a valuable tool for schoolchildren in both the sciences and social sciences Including the community in the program to acquire volunteers Program was particularly focused on science development with scientific communities & organizations Integrating garden site into school s mission and class lessons Students received 30-min. gardening lessons weekly
Study 2: School Garden Program Aimed at Science Development Designing Nature for Learning: School Gardens for Youth and Child Education by Sarah A. Moore, Morgan Apicella, Sallie A. Marston and Moses Thompson (2012) ELEMENTARYSCHOOL GARDENPROGRAMAIMED ATACADEMICGROWTH & ACCESSTOHEALTHYFOOD STUDENTSAPPLIEDMATH & SCIENCEEDUCATIONIN THEGARDENINGCONTEXT Successfully integrated garden site into school s mission & curriculum Students observed science in action through plant & soil science in gardens School gardens are a valuable tool in the sciences & social sciences PROGRAMFOCUSEDONSCIENCE DEVELOPMENTTHROUGH 30-MIN. WEEKLYGARDENINGLESSONS
Study 3: Impacts of School Garden Curriculum on Science Achievement Article Details Program Outcomes Main Findings Authors report that: there were significant differences in pretest and posttest scores and that the differences were only in the experimental group scores They state that even with instructors who had little background in once-a- week gardening lessons, students can see some improvement in science achievement scores Regardless of the positive impacts seen as a result of the gardening program, the authors conclude that more research needs to be conducted in this area before researchers can definitively say that gardens increase science achievement or achievement scores Impact of Hands-on Science Through School Gardening in Louisiana Public Elementary Schools by Leanne L. Smith and Carl E. Motsenbocker (2005) Two of the elementary schools participants saw significant positive differences from their pre- and post-test scores: Students who participated in the program saw higher science scores on the post-tests when compared with the pre-tests Hands-on garden curriculum program was introduced in 3 Louisiana elementary schools Consisted of 2-hour weekly gardening lessons including science and garden activities Science achievement tests that were specifically designed for the program were administered pre- and post- lessons to intervention & control groups to see impacts on science scores The experimental group saw an average increase in their science test scores The control group did not see any significant differences between their pre- and post-test scores
Study 3: Impacts of School Garden Curriculum on Science Achievement Impact of Hands-on Science Through School Gardening in Louisiana Public Elementary Schools by Leanne L. Smith and Carl E. Motsenbocker (2005) Control Group Intervention Group School Garden Program hands-on garden curriculum in 3 elementary schools 2-hour weekly gardening lessons science achievement tests given pre- & post-lessons to intervention & control groups PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Study 4: School Gardening & Science Curriculum Impacts on Science Achievement Article Details Program Outcomes Main Findings Control group students did not utilize hands-on garden learning together with their science curriculum as intervention group students did. The study reported the following results: The authors report that: school gardens offer one area of agriscience through which schools can provide opportunities for student-centered, experiential learning and that those who participated had higher science achievement than those who did not Growing Minds: The Effect of a School Gardening Program on the Science Achievement of Elementary Students by C.D. Klemmer, T.M. Waliczek, J.M. Zajicek (2005) Experimental group students scored 5.6 points higher than those in the control group, which was identified as statistically significant School gardening program combined school gardening lessons and science curriculum in seven Texas elementary schools A science achievement test was created specifically for each grade level (3rd, 4th, & 5th) based on Texas science curriculum standards Intervention students received full- day school garden training program Intervention & control groups were tested pre- and post- program 5th grade experimental group students scored 14.9 points higher than those in the control group The authors conclude that the garden curriculum was more effective as a teaching method in raising science achievement scores for boys in 3rd and 5th grade, and for girls in the 5th grade compared to traditional classroom- based methods alone There was no significant difference in scores between males and females, indicating program benefits regardless of gender
Study 4: School Gardening & Science Curriculum Impacts on Science Achievement Growing Minds: The Effect of a School Gardening Program on the Science Achievement of Elementary Students by C.D. Klemmer, T.M. Waliczek, J.M. Zajicek (2005) INTERVENTION GROUP OUTCOMES PROGRAM DETAILS Combined school gardening lessons with science curriculum in 7 elementary schools Intervention students scored 5.6 points higher on test than control students Intervention students received full-day gardening training program 5th grade intervention students scored 14.9 points higher than control students on test Intervention & control students tested pre- & post-program no significant difference in scores between males and females
Study 5: Garden Program Impacts on Science & Math Students Academic Progress Article Details Program Outcomes Main Findings Math achievement scores indicated that the control group actually scored 4.13 points higher than the experimental group [-authors suggest that this outcome exists because the subject of math was not included within the particular curriculum used for this study and that an emphasis on math curriculum within the gardening program might be necessary to see an improvement] No significant differences between 3rd grade control & experimental groups 4th grade experimental group performed better in science assessments by 4.94 points than control 5th grade control group experienced better science and math achievement scores than experimental group The mixed results of garden impacts on science & math achievements led authors to report that: further research needs to be done on the relationship between garden programs/curriculum and academic achievement (particularly for math and science) garden programs can be effective in enhancing somestudents achievement and learning process, as well as in enhancing traditional curricula garden curricula should focus more on specific subject areas (e.g. math) if they want to improve achievement scores on particular subjects Effects of a Gardening Program on the Academic Progress of Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade Math and Science Students by A.E. Pigg, T.M. Waliczek, and J.M. Zajicek (2006) Garden program implemented in a Texas elementary school to assess science & math achievement scores Program aimed at teaching students about horticulture, nutrition & envi. science through a math/science curriculum in conjunction with gardening Math & science achievement scores were tested with a previously developed test instrument after the intervention
Study 5: Garden Program Impacts on Science & Math Students Academic Progress Effects of a Gardening Program on the Academic Progress of Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade Math and Science Students by A.E. Pigg, T.M. Waliczek, and J.M. Zajicek (2006) -No significant differences between 3rd grade control & experimental groups -4th grade experimental group performed better in science assessments by 4.94 points than control -5th grade control group experienced better science and math achievement scores than experimental group -Mixed results suggest that garden programs can be effective in enhancing somestudents achievement and learning process -Garden curricula should focus more on specific subject areas (e.g. math) if they want to improve achievement scores on particular subjects -Further research needs to be conducted in this area PROGRAM Garden program in elementary school to assess science & math achievement scores Math/Science curriculum taught in conjunction with gardening lessons Achievement assessed in post-intervention test
In one literature review, science scores were increased in all studies in which students gardened Students applied math & science education in the gardening context What are the Impacts of School Gardens on Academic Success? Mixed results suggest that garden programs can be effective in enhancing somestudents achievement and learning process One study s intervention students had higher science scores on post- garden program tests
