This study investigated the impact of participation in middle school garden programs on student well-being through a mixed-methods evaluation. Set against a backdrop of escalating mental health crises among K-12 students in the United States, characterized by heightened levels of stress, depression, and anxiety, this study evaluated whether school…

The University of Georgia (UGA) has a training requirement for adults working with youth. To meet this requirement for Georgia 4-H and Extension Master Gardener volunteers, a standardized online training module was created and delivered across program areas. Volunteers were surveyed to evaluate training effectiveness and experience. Understanding…

This research aims to develop an innovative agricultural program that promotes agriculture literacy among children in urban neighborhoods, fostering self-sufficiency and cultivating future agricultural leaders. While current agriculture secondary education programs in the United States are effective, there is a need for a revised curriculum that…

In this study, I explored how two Black high school students experienced a food justice curriculum and school-based gardening activities by examining student reflections, interviews, and classroom observations using a critical race theoretical framework. Findings suggested that in addition to learning key agricultural skills and concepts,…

The classification of living things learning in school faced some obstacles, one of which was the difficulties in presenting the specimen of real living things. One of the advanced information and technology products in the form of digital or virtual-based learning media was expected to be the solution to this problem. Through this research, a…

Virtual gardening classes that started in response to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to attract participants. Little is known about characteristics that improve their effectiveness and enable participants to continue gardening. The purpose of this project was to pilot test a nutrition-focused, virtual container gardening program, obtain feedback…

Perceptions of the potential of school gardens are changing given the pressing need to increase food security, environmental protection, livelihood security, and nutrition. Although school gardens programs appear positioned to become fixtures in educational institutions, there are still a number of impediments that need to be addressed to ensure…

Despite teacher interest in wanting to engage students in learning beyond the classroom, many don't have the skills or confidence to do so. Drawing from an earlier study that examined outdoor, environmental and sustainability pedagogies across three Australian primary (elementary) schools, this paper presents and examines two teaching and learning…

As significant numbers of university students report high levels of stress, post-secondary institutions are seeking accessible mental health and wellness supports. The outreach program presented integrates therapy dogs, therapeutic horticulture, and art making interventions. Over 170 participants completed questionnaires surveying demographic…

When students feel connected to their school, they experience positive health and academic outcomes. In contrast, school disengagement is a predictor of dropout, delinquency, and substance use. School garden programming has the potential to help children achieve academic outcomes and feel connected to their school. Unfortunately, most school…

Background: The consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (FVWG) has been associated with decreased risk of chronic disease, yet over 80% of U.S. adults do not meet dietary recommendations for FVWG. Purpose: This study explored the effectiveness of a teaching kitchen intervention upon consumption of FVWG and overall dietary patterns.…

The condition of food insecurity and malnutrition for school-aged children and adolescents remains one of the most influential determinants of learning outcomes. Healthy and well-nourished students learn better, have a prodigious opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential as adults, and increase their earning potential. The purpose of this…

Background/purpose: Despite progress in inclusive education policies, research has largely neglected the analysis of learning environments that are adjustable for all students. School gardens are learning environments that emphasize the broader view of participation on current perspectives of inclusion. This article discusses the possibilities and…

We compared 2014-15 New York State Science Assessment scores of fourth grade students who received the New York Sun Works (NYSW) Program (n = 638) with two comparison groups: students who received NYSW the following year (n = 993) and students attending matched schools (n = 1490). We first applied a multi-level regression model to compare scores…

This paper explores the role of school gardens in nurturing secondary students' STEM skills and 21st century skills/global competencies. Predominantly, the affordances of garden-based learning are highlighted in fostering students' biodiversity and sustainability consciousness. The positive impact of school gardens as an informal learning setting…