Core Knowledge
Here are some ideas for introducing gardening and related topics as you teach the Core Knowledge curriculum.
Language arts
Nature- and garden-related poetry and literature; articles/books about gardening, agriculture, nutrition and other relevant topics
American and world history
Influence of food (or lack thereof) on human civilizations (political systems, religions, health, etc.); history of agriculture; history of botanical exploration, origins/history of common plants, and famous botanists; what the American pilgrims and pioneers grew and ate, and plants introduced to them by native Americans; heirloom plants and the need to preserve plant genetic diversity
Visual arts
Design principles (combining edible and ornamental plants in a garden design, historical types of gardens, gardens around the world); works of art inspired by nature and gardens
Music
Musical compositions inspired by nature and gardens
Science
Plant biology; soil chemistry; fertilizer chemistry; ecological relationships; plant pollination; challenges that farmers face in growing food; food distribution challenges; nutrition; how light, sound, and magnetism affect plant growth; effects of climate on plant growth; cycles in nature
