School Garden Investigation: Environmental Awareness and Education.

This paper examines the available literature on the inclusion of gardens within the academic curriculum at the elementary school level. In addition, it attempts to link the need students have for a connection to their environment with a school garden and explores the benefits of integrating curriculum to enhance learning. This paper attempts to show a historical precedent in the 19th century school curriculums that included school gardens and demonstrates a connection with the current reinvention and reintroduction movement, which is encouraging gardens back into schoolyards. The ultimate goal of this paper would be to advocate the positive effects of reinforcing the weaving of the wonders of the natural world into the fabric of today's educational system. In a world increasingly technologically obsessed and dependent, children more than ever need to experience the rhythms of nature for intellectual and spiritual growth and well being. This paper can point the reader to ideas and sources that will inspire further investigation and implementation in other schools and communities. (Author)