Pollinator Power: Protecting Our Garden Guardians!

2nd Grade

Project
5 weeks

Pollinator Power: Protecting Our Garden Guardians!

Jamie Aupperle

LS2.2.1

2.3.2

2.3.4

2.4.1

+ 6 more

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage second graders in exploring the vital relationship between plants and pollinators through hands-on learning experiences. Students will investigate the growth needs of plants, the process of pollination, and the role of pollinators, culminating in research on current threats to pollinators and strategies for their protection. By creating informative flyers and posters, students will communicate their findings to the community, fostering a sense of responsibility and active citizenship in protecting these essential creatures.

Learning goals

Students will understand the essential role of pollinators in plant growth and ecosystem health, recognizing the interdependence between plants and animals. They will develop skills in scientific observation and documentation, creating detailed drawings and informative texts that accurately describe plant-pollinator interactions. Through collaborative research and community engagement, students will learn to communicate their findings effectively, advocating for pollinator protection and contributing positively to their community.

Standards

LS2.2.1 - Plants depend on water and light to grow and on animals for pollination or to move their seeds around.
LS2.2.1 - Plants depend on water and light to grow and on animals for pollination or to move their seeds around.
2.3.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts organized around main ideas which are supported by relevant details, facts, and definitions.
2.3.4 - Use a process to revise and edit so that thoughts and ideas are communicated clearly with appropriate spelling, capitalization, grammar, and punctuation.
2.4.1 - Participate in shared research and inquiry, gathering information from a variety of resources to answer questions.
2.2.2 - Apply specific skills to comprehend and fluently read informational texts.
2.1.2 - Deliver presentations while maintaining focus on topic and be prepared to discuss.

Competencies

Effective Communicator
Productive Collaborator
Critical Thinker
Engaged Citizen

Products

Students will create informative flyers and posters to educate the community on protecting pollinators, which will be displayed at local businesses and libraries. They will also design and plant a pollinator-friendly garden at the school, documenting the process with scientific drawings and journals. Additionally, students will craft educational bookmarks featuring pollinator facts and scientific illustrations, to be distributed during the 'Pollinator Protection Fair'. Lastly, they will assemble 'Pollinator Protection Kits' containing seeds and educational materials, to share with families and community members.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Garden Guardians Workshop' in collaboration with a local gardening club. Students will plant seeds and explore the essential conditions for plant growth, engaging in hands-on activities that highlight the role of pollinators. This immersive experience will spark curiosity and set the stage for further exploration of plant-pollinator relationships.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Pollinator Protection Fair' where they set up booths to display their flyers, posters, and scientific drawings. They will conduct interactive demonstrations and engage with community members, explaining their research and discussing actionable steps to protect pollinators. The event will be held at a local community center or library, allowing students to showcase their learning and contributions as engaged citizens.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Project Introduction and Essential Question - Introduce the project and discuss the essential question: How do plants and flowers rely on pollinators, and what can we do to ensure these pollinators thrive in our environment? (20 min) Gallery Walk - Participate in a gallery walk featuring images of plants, flowers, and pollinators to spark curiosity and generate initial observations and questions. (30 min) Nature Walk Noticing and Wondering - Conduct a nature walk around the school grounds, documenting observations and wonders about plants and pollinators in a science journal. (40 min)	Mystery Box Exploration - Explore a mystery box containing items related to plant growth and pollination, discussing their significance and hypothesizing connections. (30 min) Scientific Drawing Introduction - Introduction to scientific drawing techniques, focusing on accurately representing plant parts and their functions. (30 min) Reflect and Share - Reflect on the day's activities using the 3-2-1 thinking routine: write 3 things learned, 2 questions, and 1 interesting aspect. (30 min)	Parts of a Plant and Flower - Learn about the parts of a plant and flower through interactive activities and labeling diagrams. (30 min) Hands-On Planting Session - Plant seeds in small groups, discussing the role of water and light in plant growth, and documenting the process through scientific drawings. (40 min) Journal Reflection - Write a daily reflection on plant observations and questions in the science journal. (20 min)	Introduction to Pollinators - Watch an educational video on pollinators and discuss their importance to plants and ecosystems. (30 min) Collaborative Research Project - Begin a group research project gathering information about different pollinators using books and digital resources. (40 min) Peer Sharing and Feedback - Share research findings with peers and gather feedback for further investigation. (20 min)	Virtual Field Trip Preparation - Prepare for a virtual field trip to a butterfly sanctuary by discussing what to observe and questions to consider. (20 min) Virtual Field Trip to Butterfly Sanctuary - Participate in a virtual field trip, observing pollinators in action and taking notes on their behavior. (40 min) Group Discussion and Reflection - Engage in a group discussion to reflect on the field trip experiences and update science journals with new observations. (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Scientific drawings of plant parts in student journals 2. Nature walk observation notes in journals 3. 3-2-1 reflection on the week's activities
Preparation	1. Gather planting materials including pots, soil, and seeds for the 'Garden Guardians Workshop'. 2. Coordinate with a local gardening club for participation in the project launch. 3. Prepare a nature walk route and ensure safety measures are in place. 4. Print and display a variety of plant and pollinator photos for the gallery walk. 5. Assemble a mystery box with different plant parts for hands-on exploration. 6. Prepare science journals for students to record their observations and reflections.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Pollinator Research Presentation - Students form groups and prepare presentations on different pollinators, emphasizing their roles in ecosystems, supported by their research findings. (30 min) Scientific Drawing Practice - Practice detailed scientific drawings of plants and their pollinators, focusing on accuracy and labeling. (30 min) Reflection and Sharing Circle - Share observations and thoughts from the scientific drawing practice in a group discussion, using the 3-2-1 thinking routine. (30 min)	Interactive Pollination Simulation - Engage in a hands-on simulation to demonstrate how pollination occurs and the role of pollinators in this process. (30 min) Plant Growth Observation - Observe and document changes in the planted seeds from Week 1, focusing on the impact of light and water. (30 min) Peer Feedback Session - Exchange scientific drawings and receive constructive feedback to refine accuracy and clarity. (30 min)	Pollinator Protection Brainstorm - Collaborate in groups to brainstorm ideas for protecting pollinators based on current environmental challenges. (30 min) Research and Inquiry - Conduct research on local pollinator species and their habitats using books and digital resources. (30 min) Personal Reflection Journal - Reflect on the day's learning experiences, noting new insights about pollinators and ecosystems. (30 min)	Parts of a Flower Hands-On Activity - Explore the parts of a flower through interactive activities, creating labeled diagrams. (30 min) Pollinator Flyer Drafting - Begin drafting informative pollinator flyers, incorporating scientific drawings and research findings. (30 min) Garden Guardians Showcase Planning - Plan the layout and content for the Garden Guardians Showcase, discussing roles and responsibilities. (30 min)	Virtual Field Trip Reflection - Reflect on the butterfly sanctuary virtual field trip, updating science journals with observations and insights. (30 min) Revising Informative Paragraphs - Revise and edit informative paragraphs on pollinators and plant interactions using peer feedback. (30 min) Community Engagement Strategy - Discuss strategies for engaging the community with pollinator protection initiatives, preparing for the exhibition. (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Create detailed scientific drawings of plants and pollinators, labeled accurately with explanations of their functions. 2. Write a paragraph explaining the pollination process and the role of pollinators.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for planting, including seeds, pots, soil, and watering cans. 2. Collect books, videos, and digital resources on pollinators for research activities. 3. Prepare art supplies for scientific drawings, such as paper, pencils, and colored markers. 4. Set up technology for the virtual field trip to the butterfly sanctuary. 5. Organize peer-review materials, including feedback sheets and group discussion guidelines.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Pollinator Observation Workshop - Students participate in a hands-on workshop with a local beekeeper, observing bees and discussing their role in pollination. (45 min) Scientific Drawing and Explanation - Create detailed scientific drawings of bees observed during the workshop, labeling their parts and explaining their functions in pollination. (30 min) Reflection and Discussion - Reflect on the workshop experience, using the 3-2-1 thinking routine to share insights and questions about pollinators. (15 min)	Plant Growth Monitoring - Observe and document the growth of planted seeds, noting changes and discussing the impact of water and light. (30 min) Pollination Process Exploration - Explore the pollination process through interactive activities, emphasizing the importance of pollinators in plant reproduction. (30 min) Peer Feedback and Revision - Exchange scientific drawings and paragraphs, providing and receiving feedback to improve clarity and accuracy. (30 min)	Research and Inquiry Session - Conduct research on pollinator species using various resources, collecting information for informative flyers. (30 min) Pollinator Flyer Design - Begin designing informative flyers based on research findings, incorporating scientific drawings and explanations. (40 min) Personal Reflection and Sharing - Reflect on the day's learning experiences, sharing new insights about pollinators and ecosystems in a group circle. (20 min)	Parts of a Plant and Flower Review - Review the parts of a plant and flower through hands-on activities and labeled diagrams. (30 min) Pollinator Flyer Drafting - Continue drafting pollinator flyers, focusing on organizing information clearly and accurately. (30 min) Garden Guardians Showcase Preparation - Plan the Garden Guardians Showcase, discussing roles and responsibilities for presenting informative flyers. (30 min)	Virtual Field Trip Reflection - Reflect on observations from the butterfly sanctuary virtual field trip, updating science journals with detailed insights. (30 min) Revising and Finalizing Flyers - Revise and finalize pollinator flyers using peer feedback and scientific drawings to ensure clarity and impact. (30 min) Community Engagement Strategy Development - Develop strategies for engaging the community with pollinator protection initiatives, preparing for the upcoming exhibition. (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Scientific drawings and journals documenting plant growth and pollination process. 2. Group presentation on pollinators and their importance to plant life, shared with peers. 3. Revised scientific drawings and written paragraphs after peer feedback. 4. Reflection entries using the 3-2-1 thinking routine.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for planting, including seeds, soil, pots, and watering cans. 2. Provide access to books, videos, and online resources for research on pollinators. 3. Arrange technology and access for a virtual field trip to a butterfly sanctuary. 4. Prepare templates for scientific drawings and journals for documentation. 5. Set up collaboration spaces for group research and peer-review sessions.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Pollinator Protection Fair Planning - Begin planning the ‘Pollinator Protection Fair’ by organizing roles and responsibilities, discussing booth designs, and deciding on interactive demonstrations. (30 min) Scientific Drawing Review - Review and refine scientific drawings of plants and pollinators, focusing on accuracy and clear labeling, and preparing them for the fair. (30 min) Peer Feedback and Reflection - Engage in peer feedback sessions to improve scientific drawings and informative texts, followed by reflection using the 3-2-1 thinking routine. (30 min)	Interactive Presentation Skills Workshop - Participate in a workshop on presentation skills, practicing how to engage community members effectively during the fair. (30 min) Pollinator Flyer Finalization - Finalize pollinator flyers, ensuring information is clearly presented and supported by scientific drawings. (30 min) Community Engagement Strategy Implementation - Implement strategies for engaging the community, rehearsing how to communicate pollinator protection initiatives during the fair. (30 min)	Garden Guardians Showcase Setup - Set up the Garden Guardians Showcase, organizing scientific drawings, journals, and flyers for public display. (30 min) Rehearsal for Fair Presentation - Rehearse presentations for the fair, focusing on clarity, confidence, and effective communication of key ideas. (30 min) Reflection and Goal Setting - Reflect on preparation progress and set personal goals for the day of the fair, ensuring readiness to contribute positively. (30 min)	Pollinator Protection Fair Execution - Execute the Pollinator Protection Fair, presenting research findings, scientific drawings, and engaging with community members through interactive booths. (60 min) Debrief and Reflection - Conduct a debrief session post-fair, discussing successes, challenges, and personal contributions, followed by reflection in journals. (30 min)	Post-Fair Reflection Journaling - Write detailed reflections in journals about the fair experience, noting observations, interactions, and insights gained. (30 min) Community Feedback Review - Review community feedback received during the fair and discuss how it can inform future projects and initiatives. (30 min) Celebration of Achievements - Celebrate individual and group achievements throughout the project, sharing highlights and expressing gratitude for collaborative efforts. (30 min)
Deliverables	1. A detailed scientific drawing of a plant and its pollinator, with labeled parts. 2. An informative paragraph explaining the role of the pollinator and the pollination process. 3. A revised version of their scientific drawing and paragraph after peer review. 4. Designs for educational bookmarks featuring pollinator facts and illustrations.
Preparation	1. Provide access to books, videos, and online resources for research on pollinators. 2. Schedule and set up the virtual field trip to a butterfly sanctuary. 3. Prepare materials for drawing, such as high-quality paper, pencils, colored pencils, and reference images. 4. Create a structured peer-review rubric to guide students in providing and receiving feedback. 5. Gather materials for bookmark creation, such as cardstock, markers, and laminating supplies.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Pollinator Poster Finalization - Students finalize their pollinator posters, ensuring all scientific drawings and information are accurate and clearly presented. (30 min) Peer Review Session - Conduct a peer review of the posters, providing constructive feedback on clarity, creativity, and accuracy. (30 min) Revise and Improve Posters - Incorporate peer feedback to make final revisions and improvements to the posters. (30 min)	Community Engagement Preparation - Prepare for the upcoming community event by practicing presentations and organizing materials to share with community members. (30 min) Practice Presentations - Students practice delivering their presentations on pollinator protection, focusing on clear communication and engagement. (30 min) Feedback and Refinement - Receive feedback from peers and teachers to refine presentation skills and content. (30 min)	Pollinator Protection Fair Setup - Set up the classroom or designated space for the Pollinator Protection Fair, arranging posters and interactive displays. (30 min) Role Play and Practice - Engage in role-playing activities to simulate interactions with community members during the fair, emphasizing effective communication and active listening. (30 min) Final Touches - Apply final touches to displays and prepare any additional materials needed for the fair. (30 min)	Community Event Execution - Host the Pollinator Protection Fair, where students present their posters and engage with community members, explaining their research and advocacy for pollinator protection. (60 min) Reflection and Debrief - Reflect on the community event experience by discussing what went well and what could be improved for future presentations. (30 min)	Science Journal Reflection - Write a detailed reflection in science journals about the overall project experience, including personal growth and learning challenges. (30 min) 3-2-1 Thinking Routine - Complete a 3-2-1 thinking routine: 3 things learned about pollinators, 2 questions still wondering about, and 1 most interesting aspect of the project. (30 min) Celebration and Sharing - Celebrate the completion of the project with a sharing circle, where students express their favorite moments and key takeaways from the project. (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Scientific drawing of a plant and its pollinator with labeled parts and explanatory paragraph 2. Draft of a pollinator protection flyer or poster
Preparation	1. Gather materials for scientific drawings: paper, pencils, magnifying glasses, reference images or live plant and pollinator specimens. 2. Prepare a peer-review rubric or guiding questions to facilitate constructive feedback. 3. Collect art supplies for flyer/poster creation: colored pencils, markers, poster boards, digital design tools if available. 4. Arrange a space for displaying completed drawings and drafts for peer review.

Week 6	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Flyer and Poster Review - Conduct a final review of pollinator flyers and posters, ensuring all information is accurate, clearly presented, and visually engaging. (30 min) Presentation Rehearsal - Practice delivering presentations for the community event, focusing on clear communication and engagement techniques. (30 min) Peer Feedback Session - Exchange feedback on presentations, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. (30 min)	Community Event Setup - Set up the display area for the community event, organizing flyers, posters, and scientific drawings for easy viewing. (30 min) Interactive Booth Preparation - Prepare interactive demonstrations and talking points for engaging with community members during the event. (30 min) Reflection and Goal Setting - Reflect on personal goals for the community event, focusing on effective communication and engagement. (30 min)	Pollinator Protection Community Event - Host the community event, presenting research findings, engaging with visitors, and discussing ways to protect pollinators. (60 min) Event Debrief - Conduct a debrief session post-event, discussing successes, challenges, and areas for future improvement. (30 min)	Post-Event Reflection and Journaling - Write detailed reflections on the community event experience, noting interactions and insights gained. (30 min) Community Feedback Analysis - Review feedback from community members, discussing how it can inform future projects. (30 min) Project Celebration - Celebrate the completion of the project, acknowledging individual and group achievements. (30 min)	Reflection Circle - Participate in a group reflection circle, discussing the learning journey and personal growth throughout the project. (30 min) Future Action Planning - Brainstorm ways to continue advocating for pollinator protection and environmental stewardship in daily life. (30 min) Project Closure - Conclude the project with a final sharing session, expressing gratitude and setting intentions for future learning. (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized pollinator flyer or poster to be displayed at the 'Pollinator Protection Fair'. 2. A scientific journal entry reflecting on the entire project and the learning journey. 3. Participation in the 'Pollinator Protection Fair', with active engagement in presentations and discussions.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for flyer and poster creation, such as paper, markers, and digital resources for printing. 2. Coordinate logistics for the 'Pollinator Protection Fair', including venue setup, invitations to community members, and booth arrangements. 3. Prepare reflection journal templates to guide students in documenting their thoughts and observations throughout the week. 4. Ensure availability of digital cameras or devices for documenting the fair, capturing student presentations and interactions.