Evidence • safety • further reading
The Research Shelf
A curated starting place for checking claims, planning safely, and following each classroom idea into reliable public information.
These links support the broad concepts used throughout the collection. They do not replace lesson-specific risk assessment, local guidance, product labels, plant identification, or advice from qualified professionals.
Reference collection
Plants, climate & soil
Use these sources to ground plant selection, seasonal planning, soil observation, and garden-system decisions.
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ↗Perennial plant hardiness and local zone lookup.
- USDA NRCS: Soil Health ↗Soil as a living ecosystem and the functions healthy soil performs.
- USDA National Agricultural Library: Vegetable Gardening ↗Growing guides and research-based gardening pathways.
Reference collection
Compost, pollinators & pest management
Background for closed-loop garden systems, habitat planning, and least-risk responses to garden problems.
- US EPA: Composting at Home ↗Backyard composting, vermicomposting, materials, and benefits.
- USDA Forest Service: Gardening for Pollinators ↗Bloom succession, plant diversity, native plants, and habitat.
- US EPA: Integrated Pest Management Principles ↗Prevention, monitoring, thresholds, and lower-risk control choices.
Reference collection
Water, sanitation & food safety
Safety references for filtration demonstrations, post-harvest work, food activities, and classroom cleanup.
- CDC: Choosing Home Water Filters ↗What filters can and cannot remove, including limits related to germs.
- CDC: About Handwashing ↗When and how to wash hands effectively.
- FDA: Safe Food Handling ↗Clean, separate, cook, and chill guidance.
Reference collection
Herbs, preparations & health claims
Use these resources to check evidence, possible risks, interactions, and the limits of wellness information.
- NIH NCCIH: Health Information ↗Evidence-informed information about complementary health approaches and products.
- NIH: Health Information ↗Science-based health information and links to federal health resources.
- MedlinePlus: Herbs and Supplements ↗Consumer information about herbs, supplements, safety, and interactions.
How to use the shelf
Check the source before you make the claim.
- Begin with the source closest to the question.
- Check the publication or review date and whether the guidance fits your setting.
- Separate observation and tradition from established evidence.
- Record the source with your field notes so another person can verify it.