K-8 Programming

Currently, our K-8 educational programming includes field trips for elementary and Lane Middle School students. In the 2025-2026 school year, we will also be expanding our middle school programming to include an after-school garden leadership club for Lane students.

K-5 Field Trips

At the Learning Gardens Laboratory, we cultivate a love for learning and a deep connection to the natural world in every child who visits. We offer unforgettable, hands-on field trip experiences for elementary school students, where they can discover and explore the fascinating world of food and the environment.

A Unique Farm-to-School Experience

Every day is Farm to School day at the Learning Gardens Laboratory. We believe that when children understand where their food comes from, the entire community benefits. Our field trips provide a unique opportunity for students to connect with the land, learn about the life cycle of plants, and experience the joy of harvesting fresh produce. From exploring the rich soil to observing busy pollinators, every moment at LGL is a chance for discovery.

Hands-on Learning in Action

Our field trips are more than just a visit to a garden; they are immersive learning experiences designed to engage students’ curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the natural world. Our curriculum is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, ensuring that students are learning valuable concepts while having fun. Students are divided into smaller groups to maximize their engagement and allow for personalized attention. Each group rotates through three 45-minute, hands-on lessons, exploring different aspects of our five-part curriculum:

• Compost and Soil Investigation (Fall only): Students dig in and learn about the vital role of healthy soil in supporting plant life. They’ll discover the fascinating world of decomposition and how compost helps nourish the farm.
• Plant Parts Investigation: From roots to leaves, students explore the different parts of plants and discover how each plays a crucial role in the plant’s life cycle. They’ll learn about the plants we eat and how they sustain us.
• Seed to Harvest (Plant Life Cycle): Students get their hands dirty planting, tending, and harvesting vegetables. They’ll witness the miracle of growth firsthand and learn about the journey from seed to table.
• Pollinator Investigation (Spring only): Students discover the crucial role of pollinators, like bees and butterflies, in the farm ecosystem. They’ll learn about the fascinating process of pollination and how it helps us grow the food we eat.
• Wildlife and the Food Web: Students explore the interconnectedness of life on the farm, discovering the diverse wildlife that calls LGL home. They’ll learn about food chains and food webs and how all living things are connected.

To schedule a field trip and classroom visit to LGL, please email Helen Dixon at helen@lglpdx.org. We have limited scholarship funds to cover fees and transportation costs for Title 1 schools.

A visit to the Learning Gardens Laboratory is more than just a field trip; it’s an experience that will stay with students long after they leave the garden. Our dedicated team of educators provides engaging and interactive lessons that connect students to the land and foster a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

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