Introduction
Creating a school garden is a valuable educational project that provides students with hands-on learning opportunities, fostering environmental awareness and respect for nature. Through direct experience, students develop transferable skills and gain fundamental knowledge about sustainability, ecology, and food production.
To establish a successful school garden, it is essential to consider key aspects such as selecting an appropriate site, assessing necessary resources, involving the school community, and integrating garden activities into the curriculum. A well-designed garden becomes an open-air classroom, where science, mathematics, art, and social studies merge to create a multidisciplinary and engaging learning experience.
The activity sheets included in this module offer practical tools to deepen horticultural knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, and promote sustainable gardening practices. By engaging students, teachers, parents, and community members, the school garden becomes a shared space for growth and collaboration.
Lessons
L1. Practical tips for setting up a school garden
Setting up an educational garden within a school can be an extremely beneficial project, providing opportunities for hands-on learning and promoting environmental awareness among students. To initiate the project, it is advisable to consider:
The choice of site is crucial to the success of the school garden. The ideal site should have adequate sun exposure, access to water and soil that is fertile or can be easily improved. It is also important to consider safety and accessibility for students of all ages and with different needs, including special needs. . Proximity to classrooms and common areas of the school can facilitate the integration of the garden into students’ daily activities.
Once the site has been chosen, it is necessary to assess the resources available and those needed to start the garden. This includes an analysis of the soil (it may need to be enriched with compost or organic fertilisers), the availability of water for irrigation, and the purchase of gardening tools (such as shovels, rakes, watering cans) and materials (seeds, seedlings, compost). It is useful to create a detailed budget and seek possible funding or donations from parents and local communities.
Involvement of the school community is essential for the long-term success of the school garden. Organising information meetings and workshops for teachers, students and parents can help share the vision of the project and gather ideas and support. Creating working groups or committees dedicated to running the garden can facilitate collaboration and distribute responsibilities. Students can be involved in all phases of the project, from planting to maintenance, making the garden a true learning laboratory.
To maximise the educational benefits of the garden, it is crucial to integrate garden activities into the school curriculum. Science lessons can include studies on the plant cycle, photosynthesis and ecology. Mathematics lessons can involve measuring plant growth and crop planning. Humanities subjects can explore the history of agriculture and food culture. Creating a curriculum that links the garden to different school subjects helps make learning more relevant and engaging for students.
Lesson Quiz
L2. Activity sheets
The activity sheets that follow are specially produced for you to give you the opportunity to:
Each sheet is designed to provide detailed information on various aspects of horticulture, from soil preparation to sowing and plant care. Students will have the opportunity to learn through direct experience, applying the notions learned in class in a practical context.
The activities proposed in the sheets aim to develop a range of transversal skills, such as teamwork, problem solving, time management and responsibility. Students will be involved in all stages of creating and maintaining the garden, learning to collaborate effectively with their peers.
Through work in the garden, students will become more aware of the importance of environmental sustainability. They will learn environmentally friendly agricultural practices, such as composting and the use of organic growing techniques, and understand the positive impact these practices can have on the ecosystem.
The activity sheets are designed to integrate garden learning with the various subjects in the school curriculum. The activities can be used to enrich lessons in science, mathematics, social studies and even art, offering students an interdisciplinary approach to learning.
The proposed activities encourage the involvement not only of students, but also of teachers, parents and community members. Organising open garden days, fundraising events and workshops open to all can help to create a sense of community and promote collaboration between the school and the local area.
Check the activity sheets PDFs:
