The School Garden as an Interdisciplinary Strategy for Sustainable Education: Pedagogical Innovation and the Development of Environmental Skills at the Comil No. 4 “Abdón Calderón” Armed Forces Educational Unit

Abstract

This study analyzes the School Garden as a sustainable project of pedagogical innovation with an interdisciplinary approach at the FF.AA. COMIL No. 4 “Abdón Calderón” Educational Unit, aimed at establishing it as a living classroom where theoretical and practical knowledge are integrated through planting, tending, and harvesting activities. In this space, cadets develop environmental competencies, critical thinking, collaborative work, responsibility, and habits focused on caring for the environment.  The implementation of the school garden promotes curricular integration across subjects such as Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Language and Literature, Social Studies, and Values Education, thereby strengthening interdisciplinarity. Furthermore, it promotes sustainable practices, such as the responsible use of natural resources and environmental education, which contribute to the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals. In short, this analysis concludes that revitalizing the School Garden is an innovative strategy capable of strengthening the cadets’ holistic education, fostering an institutional culture committed to environmental sustainability and the improvement of educational quality.