Plants are an important part of world history. They have influenced human economies since the beginning of civilization, and as the base of all food chains and supplier of oxygen for our air, they will always be essential to our survival.

Classroom gardens can be used to teach students about specific historical events and cultures, but also a place where students can connect with current global issues like the effects of climate change on the earth's natural resources. Depending on the type of garden you create with your class, it can create an opportunity to advance students' community development efforts through neighborhood beautification projects, or giving back to local community groups.

Below is a list of activities that can be done in the classroom with students that relate to social studies.

Sample Activities:

Grades 3-7

• Visit some local farms and interview farmers about choice of crops, growing practices, marketing, and farm history.
• Create a garden map noting important features, including a north arrow.
• Study the contribution of indigenous foods and other cultures' foods to students' diet. If possible, grow samples in the classroom.
• Research the histories of classroom garden plants. Locate their origin on a map and then trace their movement around the world.
• Prepare and deliver a presentation about the garden for other students, teachers, and parents.

Grades 8-12

• As a class, develop garden rules and then vote on them
• Research and report on cultural or ethnic differences in food consumption and gardening practices.
• Research agricultural history and create a timeline of important events.
• Discover where classroom plants originated, how today's varieties differ from the original plants.
• Trace the path of a fruit or vegetable from the field to the table.
• Use the classroom garden to complement a study of the influence of climate on food production.
• Read a garden magazine article highlighting a plant and distinguish between the facts and opinions presented by the writer.
• Research the nutritional value of your favorite garden vegetable and then write a script for a 60-second advertisement designed to get more people to grow and eat it.

• Learn about the origins of scientific plant names.