Hi everyone, my name is Ariel Vang and I am a Human Biology, Health, and Society major class of 2026. I am excited to share some reflections from this week as the Garden-Based Learning Intern.
This week, my focus was on creating an engaging activity that introduces students to the wonders of gardening. The centerpiece of the lesson plan is a hands-on seed-planting activity. Picturing young minds full of curiosity and energy, gathered around outside on Cornell’s campus, I wanted this activity to be about fostering a connection to nature and empowering kids to grow their own foods.
Along with the hands-on seed planting activity, two exciting Garden-based games were created that combined learning, physical activity, and of course fun!
One of the exciting games we’ve developed is the Veggie Scramble Scavenger Hunt. Picture this: thick cardboard pieces scattered around with different letters, each color-coded for different teams. The challenge? Teams must search for their respective colored pieces and then unscramble the letters to spell out a veggie or fruit name. This game not only sharpens spelling skills but also encourages teamwork and quick thinking as teams race to complete their puzzles.
Another game was the Garden Relay. For this game, all you need are some cones and a set of garden themed “Action Cards” . Teams line up, eager and ready for action. The first player dashes to the opposite side of the field, retrieves an Action Card, and then sprints back to their team. The fun part? They must either act out the card’s prompt or describe the word to their teammates, who eagerly guess the answer. Once guessed correctly, the next player in line dashes off for the next card, and the relay continues until all cards are used up.
As a Garden-Based Learning Intern, I’m thrilled to see how these activities spark enthusiasm and curiosity in our young participants. By combining education with play, I hope that we’re not only teaching valuable lessons about gardening and healthy eating but also fostering a love for learning in a dynamic and interactive way.