Are you familiar with biophilia? The term bio (Greek for life) and phile (who loves) simply means to love what is alive. More specifically, the terms refer to the well-being that living things feel when they are in contact with nature.  For example, it’s the happiness that comes over us during a walk in the forest or when we admire a sunset.  

Loving contact with nature

Biologist Edward Osborne Wilson, professor at Harvard University, was the first to talk about this concept in the 1980s. In his research, he observed “humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with natural elements that are vital to them.”[1] 

For humans, these are the plants that provide oxygen, fruits and vegetables that nourish us, water that quenches our thirst, the sun that keeps us warm, trees that give us wood and shelter, etc.

The benefits of contact with nature

A study by the environmental consulting firm Terrapin Bright Green presents the multiple benefits of the presence of natural elements around us: increased productivity at work, faster recovery for certain hospital patients, reduced crime in neighborhoods where there is more greenspace, etc.

What’s more, this study proved that the presence of plants in the classroom or work environment provides the following benefits:  

• increases concentration;
• improves memory skills;
• stimulates creativity; 
• reduced stress levels.

Nature in the classroom

The presence of natural elements in schools, and especially in classrooms, procures nature’s beneficial effects. It’s even more important since as we know, urbanization is on the rise and cities are increasingly covered with concrete, hence the importance of reconnecting with nature.

The  Vireo hydroponic garden  is an educational project that provides students with all the benefits of being in contact with nature.  By installing this indoor garden in your classroom, or in a dedicated space, your students will learn how to grow vegetables, various types of leafy greens and herbs. Each day they will be exposed to natural scents and the beauty of plants as they grow until they can be harvested and eaten.  

Material provided with the Vireo hydroponic garden 

With your in-class hydroponic garden, Vireo includes the following elements:

• All the materials necessary to start up and maintain the indoor garden throughout the year;
• Disposable consumables (such as the seeds and substrates);
• Access to our digital platform filled with educational content and intuitive features;
• Support to ensure the success of your project.

The Vireo hydroponic garden is simple to install and maintain. There is no need to manipulate soil, so it’s easier to keep clean!

 If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about this educational project that brings nature to school, we invite you to book a consultation with a Vireo advisor. We would be pleased to explain to you how this teaching tool works and fosters the well-being and academic success of youngsters and adolescents.