RESEARCH

School Gardens: Cultivating Food Security in Nova Scotia Public Schools?

The results indicate that elementary school students developed important knowledge and skills through involvement in the school garden. The garden’s success was supported by school policies and the local community’s interest in sustainable food systems.

Program Types: Social

Population Groups: Children/Youth, Students

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Better Nutritional Awareness, Improved Cognitive Function, Improved Physical Health

Allied Profession Intersections: Education

Type of Activity: Edible Plant Gardening, Meal/Diet-Based Activities, Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Anecdotal Evidence/Testimonials, Case Studies, Peer-Reviewed Studies, Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes

Access: Available Upon Request

Summary

This research paper explores the educational benefits of a school garden in an elementary school. It shows how such gardens can be effective tools for hands-on learning, where children gain practical knowledge about food and gardening. The project-based learning approach combines different subjects into a single project, while emergent learning allows unexpected but valuable outcomes based on the children’s previous knowledge and interactions. The garden succeeded in part due to supportive school policies and alignment with the local community’s interest in sustainable food systems.

The study found that the school garden helped students learn important food-related skills and values. By engaging in activities like soil preparation, the students were able to apply and deepen their classroom knowledge, which contributed to their comprehension and appreciation of sustainable food practices.