Life Lab Programs At-a-Glance

Garden Classroom Workshops

Every year, formal and informal educators from across the country come together in our Garden Classroom to see the magic for themselves. Come and join us for a workshop and learn new garden-based lessons and activities for children; network with other educators in the field; and enjoy a farm fresh meal in our lovely 2-acre Garden Classroom.
 

Off-Site Workshops

Life Lab has trained tens of thousands of educators in over 2,500 schools across the country. A kindergarten teacher recently wrote us, "Since bringing Life Lab to our school, my students are showing an improved respect toward the plants and animals on campus, an enthusiasm and curiosity to visit and learn from the garden, and expanded healthy eating practices." Bring Life Lab to your school or community and see what grows!

Field Trips

"This was the best field trip I have taken my class on in 17 years!" a teacher recently wrote us. Whether they're harvesting vegetables and cooking soup, tasting honey from the beehive, or feeding the chickens, kids and adults alike have a blast while learning about science, nutrition, natural cycles, and food systems during our field trip programs for preschool through middle school.

Camp

At Life Lab camps, kids spend whole days getting muddy, singing songs, making new friends, exploring the garden and woods, creating garden crafts, and cooking farm fresh food. Adventure awaits for our campers, ages 4-14!

Food What?!

“FOOD, WHAT?!” is Life Lab's award-winning youth empowerment and food justice program. We use food, through sustainable agriculture and health, as the vehicle for growing strong, healthy, and inspired teens. Through internships, summer jobs, and community events, we partner with low-income and at-risk youth to grow, cook, eat, and distribute healthy, sustainably raised food and address food justice in Santa Cruz and Watsonville.

Publications

From garden-based science curriculum to whimsical books for parents, Life Lab's award-winning publications are the go-to resource for educators and families interested in engaging children in gardens. We have something for everyone!

Web-Based School Garden Resources

Which lessons from The Growing Classroom are aligned with the third grade science standards? How do I host a bug race? Where can I find grants to support my school garden? Visit our website to find just about anything you might need to support your work in educational gardens.

Monterey Bay Science Project

Life Lab's Monterey Bay Science Project brings K-12 teachers from regional schools together with college and university faculty in a variety of institutes, conferences and yearlong programs to explore effective approaches to teaching science.

Consulting

Life Lab staff is available year-round to consult with individuals, schools, and community organizations interested in establishing or enriching farm- and garden-based learning programs for all ages.