Elizabeth Tipton

Tipton’s innovative teaching idea, “Intergenerational Nature-Based Community Service,” is a novel intergenerational, nature-based program that encourages high school students in agriculture classes to work with seniors in the community on activities that support social, cognitive and physical interaction. The program provides residents with the supplies and skills to care for plants in their rooms, throughout the facility buildings and surrounding grounds. By incorporating biophilic design, sustainable living theories, environmental studies, artwork and horticultural therapy methods, students will connect and collaborate with community seniors for the benefit of both humans and the environment. The long-term goal of this project will result in the formation of a sustained community program which brings together high school students with community seniors and nature.