Environmental Education in Botanic Gardens: Exploring Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Project Green Reach

July 1, 2009 | Public Programs, Exhibitions

Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Project Green Reach (PGR) is a children's program that has offered garden-based youth education since 1990. PGR focuses on Grade K-8 students and teachers from local Title I schools who work in teams on garden and science projects. In this exploratory study, the authors used field observations, document analysis, and past participant interviews to investigate PGR's program, model informal science education, and document the influence of the program on urban youth. In all, 7 themes emerged: (a) participants' challenging home and school environments, (b) changes in academic and interdisciplinary skills, (c) changes in science and gardening skills, (d) increased environmental awareness, (e) social and personal growth, (f) a positive life experience, and (g) the cultural significance of the program.

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Susan Morgan

Author

Susan Hamilton

Author

University of Tennesee Gardens, Knoxville

Michael Bentley

Author

Sharon Myrie

Author

Citation

ISSN : 0095-8964

Publication Name: Journal of Environmental Education

Volume: 40

Number: 4

Page Number: 35

Resource Type: Research Products

Discipline: Ecology, forestry, and agriculture | Education and learning science

Audience: Elementary School Children (6-10) | Middle School Children (11-13) | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals

Environment Type: Public Programs | Park, Outdoor, and Garden Programs | Exhibitions | Parks, Outdoor, and Garden Exhibits

Access and Inclusion: Urban

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