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/).

Can a hands-on teaching tool affect students' attitudes and behavior regarding fruits and vegetables?

HortTechnology 10 (3) 593-596 By Lineberger, Sarah E. and J. M. Zajicek 2000
"This article reports on the effect of the Nutrition in the Garden program and student preferences for and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Researchers used pre- and post- tests, questionnaires, and a 24-hour dietary recall. A significant difference was found in pre-and post-test vegetables preference scores."

Cost-benefit analysis conducted for nutrition education in California

"California Agriculture 60 (4), Oct-Dec 2006, 185-191." By Block Joy, "Amy, V. Pradhan, G. Goldman" 2006
"This presents a cost-benefit analysis of CA's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), a federally funded nutrition education program for low income families. Using enrolled particpants' demographics and food-related dietary behavior, results indicated that for every $1.00 spent on the program, $3.87--$8.34 is saved in health care costs. These results demonstrate that nutrition education programs are a good investment."

How zucchini won fifth-grade hearts.

"Children Today 16 (3), 18-21" By Cavaliere, D. 1987
This study indicated that children who participated in their school garden improved attitudes towards healthy foods and that the vegetables grown by students had a high intrinsic value to them.

fruits and vegetable intake in young children.

"Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 17 No. 4: 371—378""" By Dennison, "Barbara A., et al." 1998

Davis school program supports life-long healthy eating habits in children.

"California Agriculture, 58 (4)" By Graham, "Heather, et al." 2004

Does 5-A-Day Pay? Potential gains to growers from increasing consumption of fruitss and vegetables to recommended levels in a cancer prevention diet.

"UC Agricultural Issues Center: AIC Issues Brief Number 27, Aug 2004""" By Jetter, Karen M. et al. 2004

Outcomes from a school-based nutrition education program using resource teachers and cross-disciplinary models

"Journal of Nutrition Education 30, 268-280." By Auld, G.W. et al. 1998
"This study's aims were to determine: 1) if 16 nutrition lessons taught alternately by special resource teachers (SRT) and classroom teachers, could produce outcomes equivalent to 24 SRT lessons; and 2) teachers' reactions to the program. Treatment students showed greater knowledge and self-efficacy scores and consumed 0.36 more servings of fruitss and vegetables at lunch. Teachers supported the program and anticipated teaching more nutrition on their own, but noted serious structural barriers.

Garden Based Learning: considering assessment from a learner-centered approach.

By Subramaniam, Aarti. 2003 Fall
This publication is a guide for assessing school garden programs and youth’s educational and psychological learning outcomes.

Can an educational program on the nutritional benefits of citrus fruits positively influence the nutritional attitudes of children?

HortTechnology 15 (3): 468-471 By Koch, Shari and S. Lineberger and J.M. Zajicek 2005
"Study evealuates whether students develop more positive attitudes towards citrus fruits by participating in an integrated school program to promote them. No changes in attitude were detected. However, attitudes toward citrus fruits snacks improved."
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