Welcome to Rootopia!
Where the art, science, and fun of growing happy, healthy kids come together. Evidence-based activities, tools and reinforcements for the school garden.
Here you will find videos to watch and learn from, our exciting new podcast featuring a new interview every month and all kinds of information to support your school garden program. Ready to shop for resources for your school garden? Check out the Rootopia shop.
We are so happy you are here!
LISTEN: Podcast
WATCH: Video resources
We have over 40 fun and educational videos for adults and kids to learn about growing food. You can find...
Fun food facts — Did you know the world record for the heaviest radish is 101 pounds? One hundred pounds is about the same amount as 10 cats, a newborn hippopotamus or a 60-inch flat screen TV. Rootopia videos are full of fun facts and the gardening and cooking know-how you need to impress your friends.
Garden activities — Garden-themed activities connect youth with how food is grown, and the various ways in which it is processed and purchased. You will get inspiration and tools to plan, plant, tend, and harvest food with your family, whether in their backyard, on a windowsill, or in a school, rooftop or community garden.
Producer profiles — Meet the folks who make your food. The term “local food” may invoke a sense of distance, but really it is about relationships. It is about being connected to the people and their passion for sharing the products they grow, gather, hunt, raise, catch, or make.
Recipes — If kids cook it, they will eat it. Kitchen-themed activities and recipes will give you modeling of both quick food preparation with kids at home most days of the week and creating memorable culinary experiences.
Table talks — Table topics cover content on the technical aspects of healthy eating and mindful living and not otherwise presented, such as menu planning, goal setting and reflection.
SHOP: School Garden Program Solutions
For students, by students!
Evidenced-based activities, tools and reinforcements for the school garden.
Get connected!
We have so many resources for you to connect with. Here are some to get you started.
- Find technical assistance in your region
- Want to sell to schools? Get listed!
- Looking for local foods to buy? Yum!
- How to cook and grow healthy food with Food Hero
- Get trained up with the School Garden Certificate Training Program
- Technical assistance for small farmers in your region
- Connect with Master Gardener volunteers
About us
Let's dig in...
Rootopia was created by youth for youth with OSU's Farm to School Specialist Michelle Markesteyn, PhD and incubated by OSU's Accelerate team. Youth thrive and farmers prosper when we grow, cook and eat delicious, nutritious local foods in schools and at home.