Life Lab cultivates children's love of learning, nourishing food, and nature through garden-based education.
What We Do
Life Lab is a national leader in garden-based learning. Through innovative training and award-winning curriculum, Life Lab has equipped tens of thousands of educators nationwide to engage students in vibrant, outdoor garden classrooms. At the Garden Classroom educational center in Santa Cruz, Life Lab fosters experiential learning through field trips, summer camps, internships, and professional development events.
Life Lab History
It all started in 1979 with a team of inspired teachers, some open land outside a classroom, and a vision. Since the first Life Lab school garden was created at Green Acres Elementary School in Santa Cruz, CA, Life Lab has continuously engaged young people in gardens and taught others to do the same. View a timeline of our history documented on our blog.
Recognition for Life Lab
Life Lab has won numerous awards and has been acclaimed by the following groups and individuals, among others:
National Science Teachers Association ∙ National Science Foundation ∙ National Science Resources Center/Smithsonian Institute ∙ California School Board Association ∙ U.S. Department of Education ∙ National Academy of Sciences ∙ U.S. Congressional Record ∙California Senator Bruce McPherson ∙ United Way Family Friendly Workplace ∙ Santa Cruz Education Foundation ∙Santa Cruz City Council ∙ National Parenting Publications Awards, Honors Winner ∙ Independent Publisher Book Awards ∙ Parents’ Choice Book Awards, Gold Medal ∙ Tillywig Toy Award: Books, Brain Child Award