Planting Futures: Garden-Based STEAM Curriculum for Environmental Awareness and Action

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 1:45 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Incorporating the Arts into Environmental Education

Abstract

This study examined the effects of a transdisciplinary STEAM curriculum, grounded in ecojustice and sustainability, on elementary students’ (n=118) knowledge of bees, attitudes toward nature, and self-efficacy toward environmental action and pollinator conservation. Implemented over two years in the context of a school garden, the curriculum involved real-world scenarios and citizen science. Results revealed significant improvements in attitudes toward bees and strong correlations persisted throughout between students’ self-efficacy toward environmental action and positive attitudes toward nature and bees. Students with gardening experience demonstrated higher bee knowledge and confidence in protecting the environment. These findings support the value of garden-based STEAM education in fostering ecological awareness and agency, aligning with the AERA 2026 theme by reimagining education through place-based, justice-oriented learning.

Authors

• Katherine Nicole Vela, Utah State University

• Kathy Cabe Trundle, Utah State University

• Lawrence Krissek, The Ohio State University

• Rita A. Hagevik, University of North Carolina - Pembroke

• Kaitlin Campbell, University of North Carolina - Pembroke

• Aurora Villa, Utah State University

• William Boone, Miami University (OH)