Amy E. Dirks|Kathryn Orvis
An Evaluation of the Junior Master Gardener Program in Third Grade Classrooms
Youth Development|Youth Development
studies shown gardening potential influence students several positive ways handson informal learning occurs outdoor areas incorporated areas curriculum fostering environmental awareness increased interest science junior master gardener jmg chosen evaluated 14 indiana third grade classrooms little formal classroom usage data exists program hypothesized use program could help improve agriculture awareness knowledge youth quantitative qualitative instruments observations utilized effort evaluate knowledge gain change attitude towards topics covered jmg curriculum science horticulture environment student pre posttest results indicated overall significant gains knowledge attitudes performance attributed student age gender race location school although schools garden achieved positive gains attitude specific performance varied according classroom qualitative data also indicated students enjoyed program shared learned others wanted participate jmg gardening type activities teachers indicated satisfied program classrooms planned reuse jmg materials future classes