Gardening Concepts for Science-oriented Sensory Landscapes that Foster Awe in the Natural World Outside
In an innovative approach to education, schools are designing sensory gardens that engage students' five senses and support their understanding of scientific concepts. This strategic planning involves careful consideration of plant selection, interactive features, and curriculum integration. Here are some effective strategies based on current best practices.
Multi-Sensory Design
To stimulate the sense of sight, the garden is adorned with a variety of colorful flowers, foliage, and ornamental grasses. Visual elements like wind spinners, birdhouses, and garden art are added to attract and sustain students' interest. The sense of smell is engaged by planting aromatic herbs such as lavender, mint, and rosemary, as well as scented flowers like roses and lilacs.
For the sense of touch, plants with interesting textures, such as fuzzy lamb’s ear, smooth succulents, and rough bark, are used. Tactile features like sandpits, smooth stones, and wooden logs are also incorporated. To create a soundscape, water features, wind chimes, rustling grasses, and bird feeders are included. Quiet spaces with swings or hammocks offer students a place to listen and reflect.
Taste is engaged by growing edible plants such as strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and herbs. Tasting sessions can be organized under supervision, linking sensory experience with nutrition and plant biology.
Educational Integration
Cross-curricular collaboration is encouraged by involving students in the design, planting, and maintenance of the garden. Lessons in biology, ecology, art, and math are integrated through hands-on projects like building models, researching biodiversity, and creating informative plant labels with QR codes.
Hands-On Science Learning
The garden serves as a living laboratory for observing plant life cycles, measuring growth, and studying pollinators. Changes are documented, and data is collected to reinforce scientific inquiry.
Student Voice and Creativity
Students are encouraged to contribute ideas, designs, and projects, fostering ownership and deeper engagement. Their work is showcased through videos, artwork, and presentations.
Safety and Accessibility
The garden is made family-friendly and safe by using durable, non-toxic plants and materials. Smooth, rounded features and impact-absorbing surfaces ensure safety during exploration. Accessible stone or rubber pathways and raised beds are created so all students, including those with mobility challenges, can participate.
Sustainable and Adaptive Design
The garden is designed to be a dynamic space that evolves with new plants, student-made features, and changing seasons. A balance of perennial and annual plants is maintained to ensure year-round interest and reduce maintenance. Native species are focused on to support local ecosystems.
By thoughtfully incorporating these strategies, an educational sensory garden can become a powerful tool for multi-sensory learning and scientific discovery. Sugar snap peas, calendula, strawberry plants, basil varieties, pansies, violas, nasturtiums, lettuce varieties, and cherry tomatoes are just a few examples of plants that offer educational benefits.
In addition, hands-on science experiment zones, weather monitoring tools, composting areas, and water cycle demonstration areas are included to further enhance the learning experience. The sensory garden is transformed into a living cafeteria by adding edible plants for students to safely sample. Simple rain gauges, thermometers, and sundials are installed to facilitate scientific observation and understanding.
The sensory garden caters to both science education and self-development by including a variety of edible plants such as basil, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes, providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning about plant biology and nutrition. Moreover, by incorporating hands-on science experiment zones, weather monitoring tools, and composting areas, the garden ensures a comprehensive and engaging educational experience that encompasses the principles of the sciences and self-development.
