Science at UM [S03-ep25]: Gardening at School

[Podcast] - Published on May 2, 2024 in Science and Society

This week on "Science at UM," Sylvain Wagnon, a researcher at Lirdef, the interdisciplinary research laboratory in didactics, education, and training, presents his latest book, co-authored with Corine Martel, an inspector with the French Ministry of Education, Gardening at School to Open Up to the World. A program co-produced with Divergence FM and broadcast every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on 93.9.

While rain has been pouring down on us for the past few days, gardeners are celebrating—and not just any celebration: Saint George, Saint Mark, Saint Eutropius, and soon Saint Philip, celebrated between April 25 and May 3, are… the Knights of the Cold! They mark, especially in our northern regions, the end of the risk of frost and thus the start of planting. My grandmother, who used to dig and weed the soil in Normandy, swore by Saint Mamert, Saint Pancras, and Saint Servatius—the Ice Saints celebrated on May 11, 12, and 13, due to the north-south time difference.    

In short, it’s time to break out the gloves, boots, and trowel! And since the garden is never far from the schoolyard, today we’re bringing you a program dedicated to school gardens. The idea isn’t new, and carrots, cabbages, and radishes have long been familiar units of measurement for schoolchildren. But gardening at school has many more benefits than just learning to count; students will surely discover concepts in chemistry, biology, and history; they’ll draw, sing, and perhaps even learn to see nature—and their classmates—in a new light. 

The introduction to our guest’s book reads:“Gardening embodies values of patience, perseverance, sharing, and respect that are essential to a democratic, inclusive, and empowering education. Thus, gardening in schools carries significant educational, environmental, and social implications. ” In a world that seems to all of us a little colder and harsher than usual, and even though we’re no saints, giving a voice to those who are betting on a gentler future seemed like a good way for us, too, to break the ice. 

Joining us in the studio is Sylvain Wagnon, a researcher at Lirdef —the Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Research in Didactics, Education, and Training—and co-author, along with Corine Martel, an inspector with the French Ministry of Education, of the book Gardening at School to Open Up to the World published by ESF Science humaine.

At UM Science, you’ve got the program—let’s get started!

Co-production: Divergence FM / University of Montpellier
Host: Lucie Lecherbonnier
Interview: Aline Périault / Lucie Lecherbonnier
Production: Tom Chevallier

Tune in to the show “A l’UM la science” on Divergence FM 93.9

Keywords: Science at UM, Research, Science, Company