Submit your one or two-paragraph essay that evaluates the arguments presented within the article. Address these questions in your writing: Which argument was more convincing? Which article was better supported? How did the persuasive language affect the strength of the article? The School Garden Debate

School gardens are popping up in school yards across the nation. While some view these gardens as hands-on learning opportunities, others view the gardens as taking time away from classroom academics. Opponents to school gardens say that students need rigorous classroom teaching in order to be successful adults. Gardening is something adults typically do in their free time as a hobby, not as work. Those against school gardens say that schools should not teach a “hobby” during “work” hours. Finally, opponents say that research does not provide any proof that time spent in a school’s garden leads to higher graduation rates.

Supporters of school gardens say that these gardens allow students to apply what they are learning in class to the real world. Students have to problem solve, and work together. Students apply the skills they are learning in science and math in the garden. No other experience can provide a natural laboratory for students to explore living things and the environment. Nearly every research study for the past 100 years has shown that for students to perform well after graduation, schools must teach to the whole child and provide whole-school experiences.