1. Classrooms in the Outdoors:
The successes and challenges of creating gardens at elementary schools within the San Diego Unified District

2. Outline Background of the topic Introduction of the study Objectives
Methods
Outcomes
Benefits
Challenges
Approach
Successful gardens
References

3. Background of the topic
School gardens are growing nationwide
Just in California alone there are around 4,000(Skinner and Chi,2012)
Some studies show positive outcomes of students and teacher from a nature-base learning environment (Skinner and Chi, 2012)

4. Introduction of the study
The Clairemont Mesa Education Foundation is supporting the community by creating and designing gardens at elementary schools
They provide outdoor instructional space
This presentation focuses on the successes and challenges of the four school gardens in Clairemont Mesa during the second school year of the project

5. Objectives of the study
Motivation and engagement of young students in academics through school gardens
Use gardens as vehicle to spark student’s interest in STEM
Engage students in building positive relationships through work and cooperation

6. Methods
Case study
Qualitative data
Participatory research
Experential learning through hands on gardening
Second part
Interviews
Qualitative and Quantitative data from students and faculty at the end of school year.

7. Expected Outcomes based on other similar studies
Improve learning outcomes
Develop a strong sense of belonging, self-confidence
Intrinsic motivation
Sense of autonomy and relatedness
Collaboration leads to friendships and less prejudiced attitudes
Cross-curricular connections
Awareness of environmental changes
Better attitudes toward nature
Recycling and composting skills
Learn about microorganisms essential for life

8. Challenges I have seen so far
Commitment and responsibility to maintain the gardens
Water resource/District and high water bills
Soil, seeds, tools and garden boxes
PTA
Trained teachers that can manage children outdoors

9. Successful gardens Parents Involvement
Parent involvement has been associated with children's motivation as well as their grades and achievement (Grolnick, 2014)
Faculty and staff
Faculty and parents’ involvement in the gardens are determinants for gardens to succeed

10. Extra component for the success of gardens
Technical support
Teachers and faculty rely on the knowledge and support from:
Master Gardener Association
The Mesa Education Foundation
School District Landscaping Management

11. Results/data so far:
School A
much ahead from the others

12. School B and C
interest and enthusiasm from teachers, but they need support to keep the gardens going

13. School D
Struggling
have no soil
need to break cement
long process

14. Gardens bring people together!

15. Moving forward:
Continue to observe the maintenance of the gardens at school A and B
Keep training teachers to learn techniques and tips on how to teach in the outdoors in the four different schools
Teachers will relate science class material to the real world

16. Next Project: four more schools for 2017-2018
Curriculum Standar
NGSS (Next generation science standar)
Common core curriculum

17. Acknowledgment: Honors Program
SEEDS Scholar/Mentors: Program founded by the USDA NIFA Award
San Diego Master Gardener Association(UCCE)

18. References:
Grolnick, W. (2014). Mother´s motivation for involvement in their children´s schooling: mechanisms and outcomes. Motivation and Emotion, 39:
Skinner, Ellen A., and Una Chi. “Intrinsic Motivation and Engagement as ‘Active Ingredients’ in Garden-Based Education: Examining Models and Measures Derived from Self-Determination Theory.” The Journal of Environmental Education, vol. 43, no. 1, 2012, pp
Tozer, Frank. The Organic Gardener’s Handbook. 2nd Ed Green Man Publising . Santa Cruz.

19. Contact:
Claudia Nieto
SEEDS Scholar
Biology Major