The gardens at Center School are used during science classes by grades 1-8. We have a garden-based science curriculum developed from a variety of educational resources. An integrated study of the gardens includes many sciences such as biology, chemistry, ecology, and the environment. Students explore life cycles, soil, nutrients, energy flow, native/non-native species, seeds, seed saving techniques, and a wealth of other topics. Students are guided in careful observations and record keeping. They are given time to be still and quiet to relax and reflect, to write and sketch. During the winter months, middle school students design experiments related to the gardens. During a "Science Share" forum, students present experiments to parents and lower school students. We consult a soil scientist. She advises students via e-mail. She also spends three days at the school working with students on soil conservation and soil health. The opportunities for learning continue to expand and grow, as we expand and grow.

Volunteers maintain the gardens during the summer. In May, letters are given to students, families, teachers, and staff listing dates and times volunteers are needed during the summer months. Teachers, students, and staff sign up to assist in the gardens. We get about a 20% response, which greatly helps the gardens remain watered, seeded, and weeded. Prior to summer break, all science classes have designated garden beds to mulch heavily. This greatly reduces the need for watering and weeding. Students also lay a thick layer of wood chips in the paths. If preparation for summer break is in place during the month of May, there is much less summer maintenance needed. We emphasize the wisdom of "many hands making light work."

The gardens provide many opportunities for social interaction and growth. During fall, students work in teams gathering tomatoes, potatoes, beans, cauliflower, carrots, onions, leeks, garlic, and pumpkins. We often eat pickings right in the garden! However, the bulk of crops are prepared for a Harvest Feast. The Harvest Feast is a time for the entire school, grades 1-8, and approximately 100 students, to gather, give thanks, and celebrate the harvest. During the winter, middle school students work for several weeks on garden-based experiments, which are used for visual, written, and oral presentations. The entire school and their families gather together during "Science Share" to visit with the young scientists. In early spring we plant radishes, lettuces, peas, and carrots. Just before the school year ends, students prepare a spring salad feast. The salad is shared by all in our circle in the garden. In spring of 2000, we expanded to include a "Three Sisters Garden" for corn, beans, and squash. All students and staff participated in a garden dedication. We gave thanks to the Lenape Indians who occupied the area, to each other, and to the people who helped in developing the new garden. We also celebrated with songs.

Our gardens are three years old. Students have been involved in nearly every aspect of their development, from removing grass to planting seeds and everything in between — laying paths, building beds, creating rich soil, mixing horse manure and compost with existing soil base. We have had family days. Parents and students worked together to build new garden beds using TREX—recycled plastic lumber–and to create our new Three Sisters Garden. Students also had a perennial plant sale to raise money for purchasing the TREX. They potted plants from the gardens, designed a bookkeeping record sheet, and kept a tally of income and expenses. Students often share their ideas of what they would like to do in the garden. Their ideas are honored and often implemented. Students have been instrumental in planning and decision-making. They have ownership of the gardens.

Students learn a wealth of invaluable knowledge in the gardens. They learn the skills in maintaining an organic garden, the importance of soil, and maintaining healthy soil. Students learn to handle garden tools properly and work together. They design and implement experiments. They learn that they can grow food, and grow it without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The most valuable learning that occurs in the garden is a sense of connection. Students become connected to the Earth, the soil, the food they eat, and to each other. They understand the cycles of the earth and the flow of healthy energy. They come to realize that the health of their minds, body, and spirit are connected to nurturing soil, food, and peaceful gardens.