The Growing Classroom Training

Host a Growing Classroom Training!

Workshop Description: Presented by Life Lab Science Program and The National Gardening Association, this two-day workshop is ideal for those interested in supplementing their existing science program with garden-based learning. Using The Growing Classroom activity guide for grades 2-6, you'll experience hands-on activities, learn basic science concepts and gardening techniques, and develop management strategies for a school gardening program. Each participant will receive Life Lab's 480-page book, The Growing Classroom, as well as many other ideas and resources.

Suggested Audience: Anyone interested or involved in garden-based learning with children grades 2-6. 25-participant maximum.

Key Workshop Components:

Learn ...

• How to lead garden-based learning activities from The Growing Classroom activity guide.
• Basic gardening skills, including composting, starting seeds, preparing garden beds, transplanting, and designing spaces for outdoor learning.

Discuss ...

• The Life Lab approach to Science.
• How to make outdoor, inquiry-based education work for different student populations.
• The resources inside of The Growing Classroom activity guide, including sections on:  Creating a garden, garden-based learning activities, gardening "how to's," and connecting garden-based learning to relevant academic studies.

Take home ...

• The Growing Classroom activity guide.
• An action plan for your school garden.

Length: Two days, 9AM-3PM

Cost To Host: $3,000 plus workshop materials, along with travel, food and lodging for 1 trainer. Host sites determine and collect individual participant fees.

Credit Available: In all states but Ohio, 1 unit of semester credit available per day ($60 per credit).

Contact: For more information, contact Education Specialist Cynthia Domenghini at cynthiad@garden.org.

Participant Comments:

[This workshop] "far surpassed my expectations - excellent info from presenter and participants."

"I received a wonderful experience that will boost and sustain my quest for a learning garden area for my school."

"This is exactly what we will need to further the commitment of a garden program district-wide."

"We will be able to implement your program at each school -- easily!"

"The book and demonstration lessons were great. I came away with the knowledge that Life Lab can be used for teaching in every subject [and] lots of ideas to improve our life lab."

"I received what I expected and a whole lot more! I'm very pleased with all of the great info and ideas!"

"I came away with lovely lesson ideas [and] renewed enthusiasm for the bigger picture."

"Workshops like this are very helpful."