science practices – Gleaning the Field

Core Principles Series: Build a Diverse Community

Students observe birds on campus near the garden in order to categorize behaviors.

Core Principles Series: Immerse Yourself in Nature

Spend just 20 minutes a day immersed in nature to boost overall health.

Core Principles Series: Let the Garden Be the Teacher

A garden is a living system, which means lessons must be dynamic, flexible, and in tune with seasonal cycles and natural patterns.

Inspired by Two Mission-Driven Businesses

I’ve doubled down since the pandemic and centered my teaching on the science of stress, self-care as a radical act of resistance, and trauma-informed practices.

Becoming a Botanist: Celebrating Jane Colden

Jane Colden is remembered as the first American woman botanist.

Turning Over a New Leaf

Sensory experience–a hallmark of science, nutrition, and environmental education–is much harder to deliver via screen. However, a few months ago I was inspired me to turn over a new leaf.

When Worm Weather Prevails

These engaging worm tales bring the worms indoors when it rains.

Kick Off the School Year with NGSS-Related Scavenger Hunts and Activities

Focused searching is a great way to engage students in the garden early on in the school year.

Beware of the Red Cage Fungus!

For a unique sensory experience, take a whiff of a Red Cage Fungus.

Aspiring Soil Engineers Design a Perfect Seed Starting Mix

Geotechnical engineering is a specialty area within the environmental sciences that deals with geology and soil. These professional experts analyze the substrate of a site to determine the viability for construction or development based on soil properties. I imagine similar skills are used to make the bagged “soils” we purchase at our favorite garden store…

Garden-Based Learning for Language and Literacy

Teaching students to read, write, and talk like gardeners is key to literacy learning in the garden classroom.

Empowering Youth Leaders with In- and After-School Clubs

Enlisting students during extracurricular times of the school day is a viable way to build youth leaders and maintain a school garden at the same time.

Still Vermi-composting After All These Years: A Tribute to Will Allen

Vermicomposting is a simple, yet rewarding way to teach about decomposition while enriching the school garden.

Underground Teaching Resources for Stewarding the Soil

Soil. It’s everywhere, but few people take notice of this incredible resource right beneath our feet. When people do notice the soil, they often see it as something to avoid. “Don’t get dirty,” they warn young children. With these underground resources, you (and your children) can get all the dirt on soil. Children’s Picture Books…