Outdoor Classroom or a School Garden

By engaging students in an outdoor setting, they can build better connections to and have a better understanding of the natural world. A school garden can be constructed in any shape or size depending on the location. Once an area has been chosen students can plant and monitor the growth of the plants over time which allows them to better understand the connection between growing plants and eating healthy food. 

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Resources:

Food Safety in Donation Gardens

Community Donation Garden Toolkit

Gardens and Growing Spaces

Learning outcomes can apply to standards in:

• Science-Biology

• Agriculture - Horticulture

• Family & Consumer Sciences

Tips from a teacher:

“We used a grant and another large donation to put in our outdoor classroom, but make sure that you don't take on more than you can handle. I would also encourage commitment and buy-in from community members and ensure student involvement.  I require students to work in the outdoor classroom during the summer to earn their trip to National FFA Convention.”

- Molli Griffin
Kingsley-Pierson Community Schools