Growing a Greener World Season 7 Episode 9 The Edible Schoolyard: A Class Without Walls and a Love to Learn

Growing a Greener World is an Emmy-award winning show that explores different aspects of gardening, sustainable living and ecological conservation. In season 7 episode 9, entitled "The Edible Schoolyard: A Class Without Walls and a Love to Learn," the show delves into the inspiring work of the Edible Schoolyard Project.

The Edible Schoolyard is a nonprofit program that seeks to transform the way children learn about food and health in school. The project was founded in 1995 by Alice Waters, a renowned chef, restaurateur and food activist, who believed that schools should be a place where children not only learn the three Rs but also develop an understanding of where their food comes from and how it affects their bodies and the environment.

The episode takes viewers on a journey to Martin Luther King Jr Middle School in Berkeley, California, where the Edible Schoolyard program has been implemented for more than two decades. At the heart of the program is a one-acre garden that serves as a classroom without walls, where students can learn about gardening, cooking, and nutrition in a hands-on and engaging way.

Throughout the episode, viewers meet several teachers, students, and volunteers who share their experiences with the Edible Schoolyard program. Students talk about how the garden has not only taught them practical skills but has also given them a sense of independence, responsibility, and connection to nature. Teachers describe how the program has transformed their curriculum, making learning more relevant and meaningful for their students.

The show also highlights the important role that volunteers play in the program. Many community members, including parents, retirees, and chefs, donate their time and expertise to help maintain the garden and teach classes. Their commitment and enthusiasm serve as a powerful example of how individuals can make a positive impact in their communities.

Throughout the episode, host Joe Lamp'l interviews several experts who provide insights into the key principles behind the Edible Schoolyard program, such as the importance of experiential and interdisciplinary learning, the benefits of gardening for mental and physical health, and the impact that a healthy diet can have on children's academic performance and behavior.

Overall, "The Edible Schoolyard: A Class Without Walls and a Love to Learn" offers a compelling portrait of a program that has had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of students, teachers, and community members. Through its focus on hands-on learning, community engagement, and sustainable practices, the Edible Schoolyard offers a powerful example of how education can be reimagined to align with the needs of the planet and its people.