Community gardening projects can enhance community food security and improve the nutrition of project participants. However, limited information exists on the most effective models and methods for establishing community gardens in rural areas. A survey of 12 rural community gardening projects found a variety of program models: community gardens…

Indiana's Cooperative Extension 4-H program has initiated a windowsill garden project for children in both urban and rural areas. (GB)

Using the outdoors, the garden project helped children in Brooklyn to: expand their knowledge of the earth's processes, become more aware of how urban people relate to their environment, and develop concern for the environment and its ecological balance. (NQ)

Presents an activity to create a garden to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Students increase their environmental awareness and discover the rewards of community service. (NB)

Community educators in six cities involved youth in documenting ethnic gardening practices with master gardeners. Interviews with 29 educators, 28 participating youth, and 4 gardeners found that youth learned about gardening, developed positive relationships with elders, and enhanced skills. Implementing participatory research required more…

Effectiveness of 2 extension publications on pesticide usage and safety (offered through stores and nurseries) was tested through surveys of 800 pamphlet users (415 responses) and focus group interviews with 20-30 respondents. Results showed, if marketed correctly, written information has large audience, safety information needs to be presented…

Describes a comprehensive environmental education program and facilities at Gullett Elementary School, in Austin, Texas. The program helps children learn responsibility and respect for animals and each other. Attendance improves, as children are responsible for feeding an animal entrusted to their care. Students score in the upper 90 percentiles…

Interview with Roger Hart recounts discussions with the environmental psychologist on his childhood influences related to gardening and geography, his studies of children's understanding of the physical environment, and his current work involved with identifying ways to create environmental opportunities for children. Also notes his work with…

Presents suggestions for integrating food experiences as a positive, sustaining part of the family lifestyle. Focuses on social graces and rituals related to special family meals and gatherings, on using tea parties to integrate family rituals and etiquette, and on family gardening. Describes ways children can participate in food acquisition and…

A study assessed the effectiveness of garden-enhanced nutrition education programs in improving nutrition knowledge and dietary patterns of 97 first-grade students at 2 California schools. Students who grew vegetables in their school gardens were more willing to taste certain vegetables, an essential step in improving a child's food preferences.…

Describes a study of an inner-city youth gardening program and the kinds of learning opportunities it supported that emerged from youth-initiated actions. Examines the ways in which the garden environment and the experiential nature of the program gave support to the emergence of learning opportunities while making connections between science,…

Discusses three major ways in which nature helps children develop. Discusses observations of theorists and researchers, including Maria Montessori, that nature stimulates children's powers of observation, fosters creativity, and instills a sense of peace and being at one with the world. Offers recommendations, including protecting nature,…

Reports on a community-based science project that was coproduced with urban teenagers and elaborates on the creation of a practicing culture of science learning. Concludes that in a practicing culture of science learning, science is relevant since it was created from the participants' concerns, interests, and experiences inside and outside…

An apt analogy for busy, pacey and accountable classrooms is the industrial production line. In this, the teacher (or supervisor) controls the transmission of ready-made packages of knowledge by providing appropriate tasks, and then monitors and assesses their acquisition. The pupils (or labour force) work to complete these tasks. Classrooms like…

Loss of biodiversity and habitats is one of the greatest threats to the environment and education has a critical role to play in addressing this issue. This paper describes a teaching activity for first-year university students studying sustainable resource management at the University of Newcastle which established a partnership between…