Savannah High School Gardening and Art Club

Developing project-based lessons that integrate gardening across subjects

Oct 02, 2023

Gardening is a wonderful way to engage students in hands-on learning experiences. By integrating gardening across subjects, educators can create project-based lessons that are not only educational but also fun and engaging for students. In this blog post, we will explore how to develop project-based lessons that incorporate gardening into various subjects.

Science

Gardening provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn about various scientific concepts. For example, students can study the life cycle of plants by planting seeds and observing their growth over time. They can also learn about the importance of soil composition and the role of nutrients in plant growth. Additionally, students can explore the concepts of photosynthesis and the water cycle through their gardening activities.

science gardening - The garden is a living lab to study plant life, photosynthesis, pollination, ecosystems, biodiversity, soil, weather, and climate. For example, kindergarten students can compare plant growth and record it in a journal. Third grade students can experiment with different variables on plant growth and health. Sixth grade students can explore how plants adapt to different environments and affect the food web.
The garden is a living lab to study plant life, photosynthesis, pollination, ecosystems, biodiversity, soil, weather, and climate. For example, kindergarten students can compare plant growth and record it in a journal. Third grade students can experiment with different variables on plant growth and health. Sixth grade students can explore how plants adapt to different environments and affect the food web.

Mathematics

Gardening offers numerous opportunities for students to apply mathematical concepts in real-world contexts. Students can measure the dimensions of their garden beds, calculate the area and perimeter, and determine the amount of soil needed. They can also practice fractions and ratios by mixing different types of soil or fertilizer. Furthermore, students can collect data on plant growth and use graphs and charts to analyze and interpret the information.

mathematics gardening - The garden is a context to practice math skills such as counting, measuring, estimating, graphing, calculating, and problem-solving. For example, first grade students can count and sort seeds by shape, size, and color and graph their data. Fourth grade students can measure the perimeter and area of garden beds and plan crop planting using fractions and decimals. Seventh grade students can calculate the soil volume and cost for a raised bed.
The garden is a context to practice math skills such as counting, measuring, estimating, graphing, calculating, and problem-solving. For example, first grade students can count and sort seeds by shape, size, and color and graph their data. Fourth grade students can measure the perimeter and area of garden beds and plan crop planting using fractions and decimals. Seventh grade students can calculate the soil volume and cost for a raised bed.

Language Arts

Gardening can be used as a springboard for developing language arts skills. Students can write descriptive paragraphs about their gardening experiences, using sensory details to engage readers. They can also create step-by-step instructions for planting or caring for specific plants. Additionally, students can research and write reports on various types of plants or explore literature related to gardening, such as poems or stories.

language arts gardening - The garden is a source of inspiration and information to develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. For example, second grade students can read and write stories or poems about garden plants and animals using descriptive language. Fifth grade students can research and write informational texts about a gardening topic, such as composting, organic farming, or food security. Eighth grade students can prepare and deliver persuasive speeches about why gardening is beneficial.
The garden is a source of inspiration and information to develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. For example, second grade students can read and write stories or poems about garden plants and animals using descriptive language. Fifth grade students can research and write informational texts about a gardening topic, such as composting, organic farming, or food security. Eighth grade students can prepare and deliver persuasive speeches about why gardening is beneficial.

Social Studies

Gardening can be incorporated into social studies lessons by exploring the historical and cultural aspects of agriculture. Students can research the agricultural practices of different cultures and analyze how they have shaped societies throughout history. They can also examine the economic impact of agriculture on local communities and discuss the importance of sustainable farming practices.

social studies gardening - The garden is a way to learn about history, geography, culture, economics, and citizenship. For example, third grade students can explore how plants have been used by different cultures for food, medicine, art, and rituals and create a multicultural garden. Sixth grade students can map the origins of crops and trace their journeys through trade and migration. Ninth grade students can analyze the impacts of industrial agriculture and propose alternative solutions for sustainable food production.
The garden is a way to learn about history, geography, culture, economics, and citizenship. For example, third grade students can explore how plants have been used by different cultures for food, medicine, art, and rituals and create a multicultural garden. Sixth grade students can map the origins of crops and trace their journeys through trade and migration. Ninth grade students can analyze the impacts of industrial agriculture and propose alternative solutions for sustainable food production.

Physical Education

Gardening can be a physically demanding activity, making it a great way to incorporate physical education into the curriculum. Students can engage in activities such as digging, planting, weeding, and watering, which help develop their motor skills and physical fitness. Gardening can also promote teamwork and cooperation as students work together to maintain the garden.

physical education gardening - The garden is a place to improve physical fitness, health, and wellness. For example, kindergarten students can practice gross motor skills by digging, raking, weeding, watering, and harvesting in the garden. Fourth grade students can participate in games and activities that involve running, jumping, balancing, throwing, and catching in the garden. Seventh grade students can monitor their heart rate and blood pressure before and after gardening and learn about the benefits of physical activity for their cardiovascular health.
The garden is a place to improve physical fitness, health, and wellness. For example, kindergarten students can practice gross motor skills by digging, raking, weeding, watering, and harvesting in the garden. Fourth grade students can participate in games and activities that involve running, jumping, balancing, throwing, and catching in the garden. Seventh grade students can monitor their heart rate and blood pressure before and after gardening and learn about the benefits of physical activity for their cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

Integrating gardening across subjects can enhance students' learning experiences by providing hands-on, real-world applications of various concepts. By developing project-based lessons that incorporate gardening, educators can create engaging and interdisciplinary learning opportunities for their students. The garden is a space to develop social and emotional competencies such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. For example, first grade students can identify and express their feelings while working in the garden and learn coping strategies. Fifth grade students can work cooperatively with their peers on a group project in the garden and practice communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, and leadership skills. Eighth grade students can reflect on their personal values and goals related to gardening and take action to make a positive difference. 

So, let's get our hands dirty and start reaping the educational benefits of gardening!