Cultivating Minds

Woodward Gardens is a collection of garden rooms that provides students at the elementary school level a hands-on approach to science as well as provides learning opportunities in art, mathematics, social studies, and writing projects throughout the year.

These rooms range from subjects such as butterflies, birds, and wetlands to garden plots with vegetables and flowers. The development of these garden areas has provided a variety of learning experiences that relate directly to the benchmarks established in the Oregon Educational Act fro the 21st Century.

Even though the project was put in motion by parents and staff, students have been involved in all phases of the project from planting, maintenance, observing and record keeping. The development and maintenance of these garden areas has provided a deep understanding and a sense of stewardship by the children for our natural resources. The school garden concept also engages the surrounding community through their active involvement in the development and outgoing support of the project. The City of Tigard, METRO, the Boy Scouts, local Garden Clubs and individual community members have initially committed time and resources to this project.

A critical aspect of the project is its commitment to provide information and knowledge that allows the transferability of the concept to others schools and to the broader community. The project disseminates its story in a variety of ways from the development of an internet site, school publications, signage, community presentations and other related public relations activities.

The project provides an exciting alternative classroom for students who have the opportunity to master an interdisciplinary curriculum. Science, mathematics, history, art and English all find their place in the various garden elements.

Need for the Project

Educational systems throughout the state are faced with diminishing resources and increased demand for enhanced performance by students. Presently, the Oregon Educational Act sets out curriculum goals, content standard, and benchmarks which are tested for at elementary grades 3 and 5. The goals of this project directly address the science benchmarks set for grades 3 and 5. The project lends itself to other curriculum areas such as English, mathematics, social sciences, etc. All students will be offered this “hands on approach” to the curriculum. with limited funds for field trips, the garden provides a readily accessible learning laboratory.

All students have the opportunity to learn from and experience the various components of the proposed projects. Mary Woodward Elementary School has set two goals for the Garden project: 1. That every student will meet or exceed the benchmarks established by the Oregon Educational Act for the 21st Century and; 2. Students, staff, parents and the community will benefit from the myriad of opportunities presented by the Garden Project.