School garden programs integrate classroom art and science lessons into a dynamic, outdoor program for students. Classroom in Bloom’s team of educators will share curriculum developed for 1st-6th grade students which includes lessons, games, activities, and educational tools that deepen science and art education while building a child’s sense of wonder and connection to nature. Teachers will learn how to inspire creativity for student learning and integrate state standard-based art education in the garden environment.

School gardens are often established but later go underutilized due to the lack of readily  available standards-based curriculum, as well as accessible training and clear implementation  strategies. Many individuals interested in starting or maintaining a school garden need additional  resources to begin the process. To address this need, Classroom in Bloom partnered with the  Okanogan Conservation District to develop a standards-based garden curriculum for elementary  educators, along with a garden education starter packet. At the Markets in the Garden workshop, Classroom in Bloom and the Okanogan Conservation District  will teach hands-on garden lessons and provide practical tools for engaging children in garden and  farmers market based activities. The lessons are strongly aligned with science standards while also  integrating art and math. Teachers will have opportunities to share their own garden experiences  and connect with other educators, helping to build momentum for school gardens throughout the Pacific

Northwest and beyond. By offering clock hours and STEAM credits, this event supports teacher  participation while meeting certified professional development requirements. Okanogan Conservation District works collaboratively with individuals and organizations to conserve  natural resources in Okanogan County. They provide resource stewardship planning, conservation  incentives, and adult and youth education. In the past ten years, Okanogan Conservation District  provided quality standard based education for students K-12 in all of Okanogan County. District  employees created a high school ecology course called Ecology of the Okanogan. The class connects  resource professionals with high school students through field trips, class lectures, and data  collection. Through this work, District employees formed and strengthened relationships with teachers at each school and have built a diversified network of educators. Classroom in Bloom is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit farm-to-school program that has been serving the  community for 22 years. The garden is located on the Methow Valley School District campus.  Throughout the school year, staff provide K–12 garden and science education, along with cooking  classes during the winter months and garden-based kids’ camps in the summer. Elementary classrooms  visit the garden for one hour each week during the school year. During these visits, students  explore hands-on science lessons led by garden staff, participate in garden work activities, and  enjoy fresh harvest snacks. Classroom in Bloom has developed its own NGSS-aligned science  curriculum for Methow Valley students and has expanded its reach by sharing this garden-based curriculum with multiple schools and garden programs throughout Okanogan County.

Each participant will receive:

● Hands-on integrated lessons incorporating math and art education, while exploring children’s senses and wonder of nature;

● A copy of the Markets in the Garden Curriculum Guide – a curriculum covering multiple lessons per grade for North Central Washington garden STEAM programs

● Complete set of teaching activity tools and supplies for specific Farmers Market lessons

● Hands-on experience setting up a school farmers market, with accompanying lessons

● Continuing education credits for teachers