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/).

A Potential Natural Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Evidence from a National Study.

"American Journal of Public Health, 94 (9)" By Taylor, Andrea Faber and Frances E. Kuo 2004 September

A place in the world: Adult's memories of childhood's special places.

"Children's environment, 7 (4) 5-12." By Sobel, D. 1990

How Schoolyards Influence Behavior.

"In: T. Grant & G. Littlejohn, eds. Greening School Grounds: Creating Habitats for Learning" By Smith, E. 2001
Traditional schoolyard design is thought to promote aggressive behavior and exacerbate discipline problems. Exposure to nature and incorporation of environmental features appear to contribute to allieviation of stress and promotion of physical and mental well-being.

Growing Minds: The effects of a one-year school garden program on six constructs of life skills of elementary school children.

"HortTechnology, 15 (3) 453-457" By Robinson, Carolyn W. and Jayne M. Zajicek 2005
"This study assessed changes in the life skill development of elementary school students participating in a 1-year school garden program. The control group showed significantly higher pre-test scores on six life skill indices than the experimental group. At the end of the year, the control group’s scores had not changed, but the experimental group’s scores had increased significantly. “Working with groups” and “self understanding” showed the highest increase."

The schoolyard habitat movement: What it is and why children need it.

"Early Childhood Education Journal, 25 (1), 61-65." By Rivkin, M. 1997

The Necessity of Experience.

By Reed, Edward 1996

International Directive for Child's Right to Play.

By Moore, Robin
"Variety of articles and references. Moore is an international authority on the design of children's play and learning environment, user needs research, and participatory public open space."
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