“experts have called for changes in human behaviour towards ways of living that

are ecologically, economically , socially, culturally and

personally more sustainable. If such behavioural changes are to occur, education will have a crucial role to play”

Kitchen Gardens and Grounds Management

Sustainability Education

Sustainable Grounds Management◦ Permaculture

The Kitchen Garden Premier’s Scholarship Report:

◦ ‘Food Centered Curriculum’ Crown Street P.S A pedagogical resource

◦ Food Cycle learning◦ Curriculum integration◦ NAPLAN◦ A thematic approach

Sustainability Action Process Resources and Tips

Overview

Management of resources:◦ Energy◦ Biodiversity◦ Waste◦ Water

Facilitates sustainable education facilities for students

Incorporate our natural and cultural heritage

Provides valuable amenities for whole school community

Sustainable Grounds Management

Sustainable Management Strategies:Permaculture

Premier’s Teachers Scholarship report

A Food Centered Curriculum: How permaculture taught

through school kitchen gardening can lead to more

sustainable schools and communities and a more

sustainable future

Kathleen Gannon Carlingford West Public School

Increased self esteem and improved diet to reduce obesity and depression

Foster leadership and teamwork skills Gain respect, knowledge and understanding

of the environment and the challenges facing the planet

Possibility for an interdisciplinary, holistic approach catering to all learning styles

Participation in physical activity Understanding of foodFood preparation and cooking skills

Summary of benefits for students:

increased parent and community participation and partnerships

decreased vandalism increased pride in schoolsdeveloping awareness of the environment engagement with students in their learning assisting the school to meet their

sustainability targets improving the school’s profile in the

community various health benefits in the community

Summary of benefits for the school and the community:

a wealth of teaching and learning opportunities

another passive/active teaching space (outdoor classroom)

integrates gardening and cooking activities across a range of Key Learning Areas and outcomes

provides for group work and co-operative learning activities

encourages parent and community involvement/support/partnership in lessons

Summary of benefits for teachers:

Kitchen Garden still in process (expanding gardens, building kitchen)Grants - Slow food, Local council, NAB Schools first

Parent motivated, organised and run Rotated 4 Week program (2 hours per week)

2 weeks in the garden2 weeks in the kitchen

Empowering teachers to engage with the project

Developing meaningful learning activities

Crown Street Public School:

Crown Street Kitchen Garden-a special day with guest Chef Martin from Longrain Restaurant

A Pedagogical Resource

Cooking, chopping, stirring, squeezing, mixing, cutting, shaving, rolling, peeling, slicing, washing, baking….

Healthy Eating Pyramid Measuring and adding of ingredients Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Compost Erosion Spinach seeds grown in class then transplanted as

seedlings Planting, mulching, connecting with life in the soil

(worms), watering, designing signs, replanting “HAD FUN”

5/6 D- Student intranet survey results:

Experiential learning

Meets KLA outcomes

Applied learning

Engage students with critical thinking

Kitchen Garden and NAPLAN?

A thematic approach:Student centered learningAvoids compartmentalisation: holistic

approach Meaningful connections made between

subjectsContent is reinforced Needs and interests of students are

addressedTime efficiencyMaps outcomes potentially achieved

Making an interdisciplinary plan

KLAs Activities Outcomes

English

Mathematics

Science and Technology

HSIE

PDHPE

Creative Arts

Language

Kitchen Garden:

KLAs Activities Outcomes

English

Mathematics

Science and Technology

HSIE

PDHPE

Creative Arts

Language

Stimulus: Recipe or Seeds

KLAs Activities Outcomes

English

Mathematics

Science and Technology

HSIE

PDHPE

Creative Arts

Language

Stimulus: Soil or Steamer

Kids Grow Munch and CrunchGrowing A Pizza GardenLunch in a BoxCourtyard BlitzEco kids

Some of these units are available on the DET kitchen gardens curriculum support page

Example Units of Work:

DET Kitchen Gardens Curriculum Support

http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/env_ed/programs/gardens/index.htm

Maintain a clean kitchen Ensure all hands are washed Use proper techniques with knives Have appropriate equipment:

◦ i.e. Coloured chopping boards Have appropriate clothing

◦ i.e. aprons, enclosed shoes Food must be kept below 5 and above 60

degrees Give adequate training to the staff, children and

volunteers regarding safety and hygiene

Food Safety and Handling Tips

www.outdoorclassrooms.com.au

www.ecoliteracy.org

Internet Resources