NEW Garden Scavenger Hunt

Sara Lockie on April 4, 2025

Spring is in the air, and with it comes the irresistible urge to get outside and explore! What better way to combine fresh air, learning, and fun than with a garden scavenger hunt?

Just download and print the Garden Scavenger Hunt PDF. Clipboards and pencils are helpful. Kids can mark off items as they find them, and add their own ideas to the back.

Whether you use the scavenger hunt with your own family, or a large group of kids through Iowa Kids Garden Day, happy hunting!

Download your Garden Scavenger Hunt!

While you are garden planning, don’t forget to check out other gardening curriculum from Next Step Adventure: K-5 Garden Planning, Planting, & Celebrating; K-5 Farm to School Lesson Plans, and K-5 Teachers Going Green lessons. Garden yoga is always fun, too. All are aligned with the Iowa Academic Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

Back to School Links

Sara Lockie on September 5, 2024

We are back in school, but we can still grow delicious food.

Waukee Science Lessons – This district-approved science curriculum features Farm to School lessons for every K-5 classroom. Grade level book lists are also included!

Gardening with Kids Lessons – These standards-aligned K-5 lessons walk groups through planning, planting, maintaining, harvesting, and celebrating gardens. Lessons for every season, indoors and out. Great for new groups or wonderful ideas for experienced groups!

Mindfulness & Movement Cards – Short breathing and calming activities are perfect for transitions. Art and outdoor activities build teams and connection. Perfect for all classrooms!

Don’t miss the first annual Iowa Kids Garden Day celebration this May! Registration opens in March but put your name on the mailing list by emailing [email protected]

We also recommend the Choose Iowa resources, Pick a Better Snack activities, and Food Corp lessons. Check out these great resources!

Sweet potato slips
Seedlings started indoors
Young tomato plant
Green onions grown in a cup of water
Making a Pill Bug Zoo in the garden
Bean plants in a clear cup. Roots can be viewed through the cup.

We Can All Be Citizen Scientists

Sara Lockie on August 28, 2024

Scientists need data. People can collect data. With a little piece of technology in our pockets, we can easily and efficiently transport that data to scientists around the world. Tada – we can all be citizen scientists!