Why Living Labs Project?
Many schools in the East Bay and beyond are in dire need of resources to invigorate their communities with a shared connection to nature. Schools are over-paved and under-funded and are an indicator of entire communities that are without access to any kind of green space, safe play area or even healthy food. The Living Labs Project fosters a new generation of students who are leaders and stewards, engaged with their environment, and involved in their local landscape and food production. Through a few hours a week in a vibrant, growing, natural space—learning and playing—these young people thrive in a new way and discover they can change their surroundings for the better.
Studies show that:
- Play in natural environments improves children's motor abilities
- Presence of urban trees prevents early childhood asthma
- Green schoolyards with ponds and trees increases the variety of play activities, encourages exploration of the natural world, and increases physical activity
- Children who spend more time outside are less likely to be overweight
and more likely to be physically active - Contact with the natural world can significantly reduce symptoms of
ADD in children as young as 5; the greener their daily environment the
more manageable the symptoms in general - Having nature nearby reduces stress in children and adults, boost's cognitive function and nurtures self discipline
- Children are significantly more likely to eat something for the first time
if they have helped grow it and are much less likely to eat junk food if healthy options are available
Please visit our Research and References page for more information.
