School Gardeners

by Elizabeth Patten and Kathy Lyons

by Eve Pranis

Drawing on a wealth of collective experience, Nourishing Choices offers educators, health professionals, youth leaders, and parents a road map for developing a food education program and exciting children about healthful eating. It features details on ensuring sustainability, profiles of winning school- and district-based initiatives, and an extensive resources section. From the National Gardening Association. 88 pages.

by Sarah Coblyn

This year-round curriculum provides kids from varied backgrounds a fertile environment in which they can develop an appreciation for the close links between farming and food systems. Lessons range from practical, hands-on activities to social and economic aspects of the food cycle. The lessons and activities are organized by seasons. This book is an excellent resource for classroom and community educators. 240 pages; gr 5-12.

Project ATMOSPHERE is the comprehensive national program of teacher enhancement of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) based on studies in the atmospheric sciences. It is directed towards improving teacher effectiveness in generating interest and understandings in science, technology, and mathematics among students at precollege levels.

The PlantWatch website invites students and educators to join a phenology study that involves students as researchers in tracking the green wave of spring. Students observe selected plants in their regions and report bloom times to scientists via the Internet. To find out more call, e-mail, or visit the organization's website.

This website has a wealth of information on weather lore, gardening tips, and more. It also includes a site just for kids at http://www.almanac4kids.com/.

Students measure spring's northward journey by growing tulips and exchanging data with classrooms around the world. The site includes extensive background information and instructional ideas as well as professional development options.

Have you envisioned transforming your school grounds, or just a small area, into an outdoor classroom by planting trees, creating a wildlife habitat, or growing a butterfly garden? Greening Canada's School Grounds is a site that can help you plant and design your project, and persuade administrators and funders of its value.

By R.C. Sutcliffe. A clear and comprehensive introduction to all aspects of the world's weather and climates. This book explains the processes that form different weather phenomena. Colorful scientific charts and explanations.

by Stu Campbell. The definitive composting guide. This updated edition provides step-by-step instructions for recycling yard debris and kitchen scraps into valuable, soil-nourishing compost, plus troubleshooting tips and instructions for building compost bins, barrels, and tumblers.