UCCE Master Gardener Youth and School Garden Project
School Garden Lessons Aligned with California State Science and CTE Standards

The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners of Riverside County provide research-based information to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable horticultural practices. To this end, Master Gardeners offer educational resources that promote and support outdoor learning focused on horticulture and botany. This includes TK-12 digital lessons that are aligned to the California State Board of Education Standards including Career Technical Education Standards. These lessons can be used in conjunction with a school gardening program and/or as real-life examples and applications to content taught in the classroom. Consultation services are also available related to school gardens and providing relevant solutions to support successful horticulture projects. These educational resources and services are available at no cost. All resources can be accessed at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/RiversideMG/School_Childrens_Youth_Gardens/

Featured Lessons: Water-The Driving Force of All Life

In her book, Last Oasis: Facing Water Scarcity, Conservationist Sandra Postel writes, “For many of us, water simply flows from a faucet, and we think little about it beyond this point of contact. We have lost a sense of respect for the wild river, for the complex workings of a wetland, for the intricate web of life that water supports.”

Master Gardeners’ featured lessons for the warmer growing months focus on increasing student awareness of the scientific phenomena of water.

Students are presented with anchor phenomena and guidance for developing an initial model reflecting what they know about water. Grades TK-1 provides a storyline on why plants need water. Grades 2-3 builds on this theme by addressing how plants adapt to meet their water needs in various habitats. A two-lesson storyline for Grades 4-5 explores freshwater as a natural resource and how gardeners can conserve this resource. Grades 6-8 provides an extended three-lesson storyline on the hydrosphere. All grade levels feature a hands-on application activity exploring the phenomena of water outdoors, and an extension activity providing further research opportunities on the phenomena of water. All grade levels receive guidance for revising their water models at the conclusion of the lessons.

Lesson Grades TK-1: Why Do Plants Need Water?

Pre-School Life Science 2.2; KEES3.A; 1LS1.A

Lesson Grades 2-3: Water’s Role in Plant Adaptations

 2-LS2.A; 2-LS4.D; 3LS2.C; 3-LS3B; 3-LS4.C

Lessons Grade 4-5: Water Resources and Plant Survival

Freshwater is a Valuable Natural Resource:  4-ESS3.A; 5-ESS2.C

Watering Tips to Conserve This Natural Resource:  5-ESS3.C

Lessons Grades 6-8: Water-The Hydrosphere

What is the Hydrologic Cycle?  MS-ESS2.C

A Closer Look at the Role of Plant’s in the Hydrologic Cycle:  MS-LS1.A; MS-LS1.C

Weather and Water in the Garden:  MS-LS1.B