Current Course Schedule

Plant-Based Learning Projects in Classroom (Grades Prek - 4)

A growing body of research indicates that plant-based learning projects, such as indoor gardening and school gardens, are powerful teaching tools inside and outside the classroom. These activities provide an atmosphere that incorporates hands-on learning and strengthens academic, personal and social development while encouraging children to develop critical skills such as healthful living, stewardship, decision-making, and self-sufficiency. This course provides participants with an introduction to botany and applications for plant-based learning inside and outside the classroom, even in limited space. We will move beyond bean investigations by exploring cutting edge methods for growing plants and for learning through plant-based projects. Cross-curricular connections will be made through scientific inquiry and literacy as we explore how to use plants to understand phenomena and the world we inhabit. Participants will receive seeds, plants and materials for continued exploration at their schools.

Term(s) offered: Spring
Format: on-campus
  • Course Number
    TEED649N
  • Focus On
    Pre-k - 4th Grade
  • Category
    Childhood / Elementary School, Credit-bearing Courses, On Campus
  • Registration Options and Cost
    $425 12.0 CTLE or 1.2 CEU
    $1,868 1.0 Credits
    $35 Materials fee

Sections

Spring 2025

  • Section 1:
    Date(s)
    May 2 and 3 | On-Campus
    Day and Time
    Friday and Saturday 4:45-9:15 PM and 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ET
    Registration Deadline
    Apr 25, 2025
    Register
    • Jacqueline Pilati
      Jacqueline Pilati
      Jacqueline Pilati, MA, is a Professional Development Instructor at the New York Botanical Gardens, Bronx, NY where she leads programs in school gardening and plant science for New York City teachers. Previously she was the program director at CityScience in Brooklyn, NY and for City Parks Foundation in NY, NY. Pilat has also taught first grade in Sonora, Mexico and in general and special education settings in NYC. She earned her MA in Environmental Conservation Education from NYU and her BS in Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities from St. John's University, Jamaica, NY.
"I feel like I got so much about food justice from this class, in addition to information about plants and planting. I also got some terrific resources for working with kids and ideas for good activities."
-Participant, Online Spring 2020