Access the garden-based curriculum that we bring to our partner schools.
We have 24 lesson plans focused on Next Generation Science Standards and tied to the garden, all of which are uploaded here for your use. Our lessons are grouped in 'Phenomenal Series' to link related lessons. Lessons can be taught stand-alone, but may have more significance if taught in the suggested order, within a given phenomenal series. Lessons can be downloaded and used digitally or printed.
What is Available?
Science Framework - We have correlated all of our lessons with the Next Generation Science Standards, and this document identifies which standards are supported, listing performance expectations, environmental principles and concepts, science and engineering practices, cross cutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas.
Grade Specific Lessons with Activities - We have created lesson plans that contain everything you need for a successful 25 - 45 minute lesson, and are designed for specific age groups, either K-2, 3-6. These include core concepts, activities, and more.
Complementary Garden Journals - We call them "Garden Journals", and they pair with our Series. Each series has Garden Journals tailored to different age groups, and you can download them all here. These are a great way to reinforce the concepts learned during the lesson or use as a take-home activity to follow up with the garden time.
What Grade Level Are These Lessons For?
Our Full Lessons are activity based and can be tailored to almost any grade level K - 5, especially since NGSS calls for 'spiraling', or refreshing old topics across grade levels to reinforce and develop cross-cutting concepts, disciplinary core ideas, and science and engineering practices.
What is Available?
Science Framework - We have correlated all of our lessons with the Next Generation Science Standards, and this document identifies which standards are supported, listing performance expectations, environmental principles and concepts, science and engineering practices, cross cutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas.
Grade Specific Lessons with Activities - We have created lesson plans that contain everything you need for a successful 25 - 45 minute lesson, and are designed for specific age groups, either K-2, 3-6. These include core concepts, activities, and more.
Complementary Garden Journals - We call them "Garden Journals", and they pair with our Series. Each series has Garden Journals tailored to different age groups, and you can download them all here. These are a great way to reinforce the concepts learned during the lesson or use as a take-home activity to follow up with the garden time.
What Grade Level Are These Lessons For?
Our Full Lessons are activity based and can be tailored to almost any grade level K - 5, especially since NGSS calls for 'spiraling', or refreshing old topics across grade levels to reinforce and develop cross-cutting concepts, disciplinary core ideas, and science and engineering practices.
Phenomenal Series:
Series 1: Alive and Well in a Watershed
In this series, students will learn about the foundational components of soil and how healthy soils are necessary for healthy plants. They will also learn how soil health affects our watershed by either allowing for infiltration or contributing to runoff. Finally, they will close the loop by understanding how pollution makes its way into our bodies of water, and how we can prevent trash from entering our environment through smart waste management practices and composting. Read more about the series here.
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This series of lessons was prepared by One Cool Earth under award NA20NOS4290033 from the Bay Watershed Education and Training Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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Series 2: Drought Tolerant LandscapesIn this series, students will learn about drought and how to measure it. They will discover which types of plants thrive in our climate and types of plants that are harmful to our ecosystems. Based on this knowledge, they will then learn about sustainable design that utilizes native plants and also aid in conserving water. Read more about the series here.
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The Rainscaping lesson was prepared by One Cool Earth under award NA20NOS4290033 from the Bay Watershed Education and Training Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Series 3: From Seed to Table to Compost |
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In this series, students will learn about the requirements for healthy seed growth that ultimately results in healthy plants. They will understand the basics of seed and plant anatomy and determine how when composted, decaying plant organic matter can supply nutrients for new growth. Read more about the series here.
Series 4: Flow of Water in Ecosystems, Food-Systems, and HomesIn this series, students will learn about ancient agriculture and how we have transported and stored water for food production. We will then determine the true cost of food production and follow the journey that a single piece of fruit must forgo in order to make it to our homes. Finally, students will learn about water conservation and how to implement such strategies in their own homes. Read more about the series here.
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Series 5: Bugs, Humans, and SoilIn this series, students will learn about soil composition/formation and how soil serves as the building block for all life. They will then determine what makes an organism beneficial to plant and soil life, and what makes an organism a pest. Finally, students will learn about how healthy soil leads to healthy plants which then lead to healthy bodies! We will point out the beneficial properties of fruits and vegetables and how their nutrients affect our bodies. Read more about the series here.
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Series 6: All About CyclesIn this series, students will learn about weather and weather patterns and how this affects habitat for plants and animals. Students will then investigate how energy is transferred throughout the food chain and what makes a habitat suitable for various species. Read more about the series here.
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Series 7: Food, Water, and Drought In this series, students will learn about human development and impact. We will discuss specific effects humans have on the environment, and learn ways to mitigate such impacts. We will begin on a small scale to understand environmental concepts (greenhouses) and develop an understanding of big picture ideas (the greenhouse effect). Read more about the series here.
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Series 8: Different Climates, Different Habitats In this series, students will learn about weather and climate and determine how those factors affect habitats. Students will discover how anatomy and function makes plants suitable for their environments, and how these plants symbiotically serve the needs of surrounding animals. Read more about the series here.
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