Research Database

This searchable database is a collection of research articles that demonstrate the value and effectiveness of Garden-Based Learning. Research articles listed were collected and categorized via the work of the CSGN Research Working Group and the Cornell Garden-Based Learning Program (http://blogs.cornell.edu/garden/).

Using the sensory garden as a tool to enhance the educational development and social interaction of children with special needs

Support for Learning By HUSSEIN, HAZREENA 2010

How Garden Based Learing can impact the lives of special needs children.

The Child in the Garden: An Evaluative Review of the Benefits of School Gardening

Journal of Environmental Education By Blair, Dorothy 2009 January

A comprehensive overview of the various effects garden based learning can have on children. 

LA Sprouts: A Gardening, Nutrition, and Cooking Intervention for Latino Youth Improves Diet and Reduces Obesity.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics By Gatto, Nicole, M. 2012 April

Garden-based approaches to nutrition education may be effective for improving nutri- tion habits in adolescents. A quasi-experimental, garden-based intervention for Latino youth (LA Sprouts) was piloted and assessed for its influence on behavior associated with dietary intake and psychosocial factors. Study participants were 104 predomi- nately Latino fourth and fifth grade students in Los Angeles (mean age, 9.8

Closing the Achievement Gap

By Leiberman, Gerald A 1998

Using the Environment as and Integrating Context for Learning - a framework for interdiciplinary, collaborative, student centered, hand-on, and engaged learning.

Garden-Based Nutrition Education Affects Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Sixth-Grade Adolescents

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics By McAleese, Jessica D 2007 April

Garden-Based Nutrition Education Affects Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Sixth-Grade Adolescents

 

Best practices models for implementing, sustaining and utilizing instructional school gardens in California

By Hazzard, 2011 September

 Best practices models for implementing, sustaining and utilizing instructional school gardens in California

The Effects of School Garden Experiences on Middle School-Aged Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Associated With Vegetable Consumption

Journal of Health and Education Behavior By Ratcliffe, Michelle, M 2012 August

How does gardeing effect children's knowledge of and attitude towards eating vegetables?

California Teachers Perceive School Gardens as an Effective Nutritional Tool to Promote Healthful Eating Habits

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics By Graham, H 2005 November

California Teachers Perceive School Gardens as an Effective Nutritional Tool to Promote Healthful Eating Habits

 

Factors Contributing to a School's Decision to Apply for the California Instructional School Garden Program

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior By Hazzard, Eric, L 2012 July

Factors Contributing to a School's Decision to Apply for the California Instructional School Garden Program.

 

School Gardens: An Experiential Learning Approach for a Nutrition Education Program to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Knowledge, Preference, and Consumption among Second-grade Students

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior By Parmer, Sondra, M 2009 May

School gardens are an experiential learning approach for a nutrition education program to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Knowledge, Preference, and Consumption.

More Research

Garden-Based Learning Research Summaries

The CSGN Research Committee along with the UC Garden-Based Learning Workgroup has created research summaries that highlight the value of garden-based education programs. These were created to give promoters of school gardens data to share on the impact of garden-based learning.

More benefits of Garden-Based Learning are documented on Cornell's Garden-Based Learning site.

Garden-Based Learning Assessment Tools

For resources on assessing garden-based education programs try the following sites:

Garden-Based Learning Evaluators Tool Kit

Easy to use guidance, aimed at the educator with minimum experience with evaluation, for purposes of program improvement and documentation.

Farm to School & School Garden Research Consortium

A social network that coordinates research and evaluation efforts to strengthen farm to school and garden-based education programs, practices and policies