MODULAR SCHOOL GARDEN: A PROPOSAL FOR DEVELOPING GARDENS IN SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS WITH POTENTIAL FOR REPLICATION IN OTHER SPACES

This exploratory study adopted an action-research methodology to assess the feasibility of implementing modular school gardens in Ribeirão Pires, SP, highlighting them as an innovative educational tool to promote healthy eating and sustainability. Using the PDCA cycle, the project involved the active participation of students, teachers, and the local community, providing qualitative insights into the challenges faced and the benefits obtained. Feedback from thirteen students who actively participated in the project was collected and analyzed. These students reported an increase in knowledge about sustainable practices and cultivation techniques. The results indicate that modular gardens facilitate practical knowledge about food production and also demonstrate potential for replication in other educational contexts. The standardization of cultivation procedures, one of the pillars of the project, proved promising, indicating the possibility of expanding the model as part of public policies aimed at environmental and nutritional education. This study suggests that modular school gardens can serve as an effective resource for promoting sustainable self-consumption practices, emphasizing the importance of integrating them as a pedagogical strategy in educational settings.