Cultivating Connection: Biophilia and the Educational Vegetable Garden as Tools for Childhood Well-Being and Environmental Awareness

This thesis explores biophilia - the innate human tendency to seek connection with nature - as a foundation for promoting healthier lifestyles and more sustainable environmental practices. It examines the school garden as a practical approach to restoring children’s contact with nature. Using attention tests and questionnaires administered to students, teachers, and parents, the study assesses the restorative effects of natural environments on cognitive functioning and well-being. It also investigates parents’ and teachers’ perceptions of school gardening, as well as the challenges educators face in maintaining such initiatives. The findings contribute to research on nature-based education and highlight the potential of school gardens to foster psychological restoration and environmental awareness.