2010-12 Outputs & Outcomes

The following results were compiled from surveys conducted for the 2010 - 2012 Connecting Learning & Living curriculum.

Outputs

494 Responses – 68% classroom teachers, 32% out-of-school educators
29,444 Youth – Participated in primarily Growing in the Garden lessons
211 Gardens – 173 school + child care, 26 community, 12 others utilized

Outcomes

90 to 100% Students showing evidence of the following:
Active participation
Learned how to grow foods
Ate fruits and vegetables
Interested in going outdoors
Chose healthy foods
Talked about where food comes from

70 to 90% Students showing evidence of the following:
Increased physical activity
Improved communication skills (listened, asked questions, shared information)
Improved citizenship skills (respected plants, animals, people, and the environment)
Improved leadership skills (worked together in a team)

Most popular responses to examples of evidence showing changes in knowledge:

1. General evidence of knowledge gained included - asked and answered questions, remembered what was learned later, transferred or applied knowledge, improved assignments and tests, shared what they learned with others
2. Plant characteristics, identification, and how to grow plants
3. Where food comes from – starting with the soil
4. Healthy food choices and MyPyramid
5. Identify, use, respect natural resource needed to grow plants
6. Animals and insects, life cycles, interaction with plants

Most popular responses to examples of evidence showing changes in behavior:

1. Students showed more excitement/engagement/enthusiasm/active participation/attentiveness/involvement/pride/teamwork.
2. Students were more willing to try new foods and new activities, they ate fruits and vegetables, they asked for more.
3. They made healthier choices at lunch and for snacks.
4. They loved to garden, shared what they learned with parents, started own gardens, wanted to go outside more often.
5. They talked with each other, friends, and family about the food they were eating – where it came from, how to grow it, and health matters.
6. They showed more pride and respect for the environment, picking up trash, telling others how to take better care.

Most popular themes in the general comments:

1. I/the students “love” doing this program
2. The children are more willing to try new foods.
3. The students choose healthier foods at lunch and for snacks.
4. Wonderful/excellent program.
5. Connects to what we do in class - especially science, math, language arts, health
6. Compliments our curriculum with hands-on activities that students remember