At Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary, we are committed to providing an engaging and meaningful educational experience for our students. Central to this commitment is our Science and Gardening Emphasis (SAGE) Program, which integrates Project Based Learning (PBL) to foster deep understanding and real-world skills.

 

What is Project Based Learning?

 

Simply put, Project Based Learning (PBL) is “learning by doing”. This teaching method creates a venue for students to actively explore real-world problems and challenges over an extended period of time. Unlike traditional instruction that may culminate in a brief project, PBL positions the project itself as the central framework for learning. This approach encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and various forms of communication. Students ask and engage with complex questions or problems, requiring them to apply knowledge and skills to develop solutions or create high-quality products. 

 

The SAGE Program: Integrating PBL at Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary

 

The SAGE Program at Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary is an integrated approach to education that guides students toward a deeper relationship with the natural world. By emphasizing science and gardening, SAGE provides a rich context for PBL, allowing students to engage in projects that are both educational and impactful. Through these projects, students not only learn content standards but also develop a sense of environmental stewardship and community responsibility.

 

Click here to learn about Examples of SAGE Projects at SCG!

 

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Examples of SAGE Projects

 

Our students at every grade level have undertaken numerous projects that exemplify the principles of PBL:

 

- The Green Team and Garbology Work: Established in ______ by Living Classroom teacher Ms Jade, our Green Team leads initiatives in waste reduction and environmental awareness. They introduced the "Garbology" program, focusing on food sorting and data collection to minimize waste.

 

- Chaminade Trail Guide Project: Established in the spring of 2024, the fourth and fifth graders in Mr. Boyce’s class collaborated to create a comprehensive trail guide for the local Chaminade Resort trails, identifying over 140 species of flora and fauna. This project involved extensive fieldwork, data collection, and nature journaling. The final project, a published trail guide for five identified zones throughout the trail system.

 

- Native Bird Garden: Established in 2024 by the 2nd and 3rd grade combo classes of Ms. Riedel and Mrs. Marsh. Students researched native birds then planted a garden tailored to attract native bird species.This research  deepened their understanding of local wildlife habitats and the importance of native plants. In 2025, an extension tier was added to the planter bed, which includes additional species of California native plants. 

 

- Pollinator Peace Garden: Established by Ms Monica’s 1st/2nd class in 2023, students designed and cultivated a garden to attract and support pollinators, enhancing biodiversity and learning about ecosystems firsthand.

 

- The Poetry Trail - Established in 2023 by Ms Provancha’s 2nd grade class, created a permanent outdoor venue for student published work. Their study on various types of poetry and effective ways to engage their community with their work is a great addition to the SAGE Garden located at the front of our school.

 

- The Pollinator Data Collection Project - Established in 2025 by Mr. Boyce’s 4th and 5th grade students, a permanent activity created and installed by students was installed to create awareness about the importance of the biodiversity of pollinators here on the central coast. 

 

- Clothing, Costume and Book Swaps: Initiated by Sue Robinson, our school counselor, a Halloween costume swap in 2022. This annual event encourages reuse of costumes and offers a wide array of costumes. The clothing and books swaps were started in 2024 by Kelly Liebenthal and Monica Einaudi. This annual project promotes sustainability through student organized events to exchange clothing and books, reducing textile waste and encouraging mindful consumption. Students learned about “fast fashion” and its impact on America and countries around the world. The event was opened up to the local community, and was warmly received by all.