School Gardening Program

Wow!  Plants Are So Cool! is a school garden curriculum written and arranged specifically for the teachers of the Salt Lake valley.  Teachers can alternate between two full school years of indoor and outdoor gardening lessons that are local, relevant, and accessible.

Local: The curriculum meshes the traditional 9-month school year with local, seasonal gardening activities.  Gardening in the winter?  Absolutely!  Students can grow plants indoors as well as conduct a wide variety of plant experiments and explorations.  There is a lesson for every week of the school year. 

Relevant: Every student eats food.  Plants are a part of their daily lives and their existence depends on them.  Gardening is relevant in that it shows students how plants grow and where their food comes from.  Gardening is a fun, engaging way to teach students the skills they are already supposed to be learning.  We have included a supplementary table that charts the exact science standards from the Salt Lake City School District Curriculum Standards 2011 that each lesson meets. 

Accessible: We have included background information in pictures, diagrams, charts, text, and even dialogue within each lesson.  We don't expect you to be an expert!  Go with your own comfort level, taking from the lessons what you need.

Teaching these lessons will engage your students in a hands-on way of learning the skills they are asked to master.  Have fun and keep growing!

If you have any questions about our School Gardening Program, email the Youth Program Director or call 801-359-2658 x14