Dirty Hands: Exploring Elementary School Gardens to Develop Pro-Environmental Attitudes

Abstract

The authors describe the benefits of elementary school gardening experiences and offer suggestions on how to nurture positive environmental attitudes among children through garden-based learning activities.

Keywords:

• curriculum instruction
• elementary education
• elementary school garden
• environmental stewardship
• science education

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Melissa Parks

Melissa Parks is an Associate Professor of Education at Stetson University. Her research interests include elementary pedagogies, and curriculum and environmental stewardship. Email: [email protected]

Hope P. Hershey

Hope P. Hershey is employed in the private sector. Email: [email protected]

Skye Sobzack

Skye Sobzack is a fifth-grade teacher in Colorado. Email: [email protected]

Mercedes S. Tichenor

Mercedes S. Tichenor is a Professor of Education at Stetson University, where she teaches courses in the elementary education program. Her research interests include teacher professionalism, comparative education, and garden-based learning. Email: [email protected]