"For grades K-8. Lessons revolving around plant and soil nutrition. Garden vocabulary for primary and secondary children, as well as supporting materials. "

"Fresh is more than a movie, it

"Promotes approaches to learning that help people better understand the interrelationships among agriculture, the environment and people of the world. "

While managing the Life Lab Garden Classroom I have learned what makes a good sign - a good sign is one that you don't have to repair year after year. Unless of course you want sign making to be a project for your students year after year.

The seeds Toyon Middle School students planted in the spring are now being harvested, and they are getting to taste the fruits of their labor.

In Kevin Hesser's landscape/garden class, students have grown more than 500 pounds of food this year that they are putting to good use each Friday with classroom cooking lessons. The students have made potato leek soup, pesto pasta, stir fry, and last Friday made maple nut Hubbard squash with instruction from health coach and nutrition counselor Kristi Hyllen, owner of Kitchen Witch Coaching.

Many of us in the teaching field, and the kids we work with, have always felt that being in the garden can lift our mood. Is it the sunshine and outdoors? Is it the great exercise that happens in the garden? Is it the connection to the earth? Is it the accomplishment of growing something beautiful and nutritious? Well, yes, it could be all of these! But, in addition, studies have found that bacterium in the soil can actually release serotonin, boosting that “feel good” feeling and lowering anxiety. Dr.

Attention teachers, students and parents! Can you name all of the plant parts that people eat? Listen to this song by the Banana Slug String Band to learn more. Their popular tune Roots, Stems Leaves gives a hint. Before you play it, see if you give some examples of each? Just don't peek below before you do! 

Roots: carrots, beets, parsnips, rutabaga, radishes

Leaves: lettuce, spinach, chard, kale, cabbage

In November 2010, Congress approved a resolution to officially designate October as National Farm to School Month. The passage of House Resolution 1655 demonstrates the growing importance and role of Farm to School programs as a means to improve child nutrition, support local economies and educate children about the origins of food. Want to learn more about farm to school?

NEW! Nourish Short Films DVD
54 Bite-Sized Videos about the Story of Your Food

Today, Western Growers Foundation awarded $1,500 grants to nine schools in California and Arizona to help grow school gardens. Since 2002, the effort has funded more than 500 school gardens throughout California and Arizona.