10th, 11th, 12th Grades  Project 4 weeks

Garden Gurus: Building Green Futures!

NORMA ZALDATE
1-pager

Purpose

Students will collaboratively design a sustainable community garden that leverages local resources to enhance biodiversity and sustainability. Through hands-on exploration of soil science and plant biology, they will develop practical skills and knowledge essential for creating a thriving garden ecosystem. By engaging in community planning, students will consider the social and environmental impacts of their designs, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable practices. This project encourages active participation, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving, culminating in a tangible contribution to their community.

Learning goals

Students will explore soil science by analyzing soil samples to determine nutrient levels and ideal conditions for plant growth. They will delve into plant biology by selecting native species that support biodiversity and understanding their growth requirements. In community planning, students will collaborate to design a garden layout that maximizes space and resources, considering factors such as water conservation and sustainable practices.
Standards
  • NGSS - HS-LS2-7: Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
  • NGSS - HS-ESS3-3: Create a computational simulation to illustrate the relationships among management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and biodiversity.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question or solve a problem, synthesizing multiple sources on the subject.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and create a detailed blueprint of a sustainable community garden, incorporating soil science and plant biology principles. They will produce a comprehensive plan that includes strategies for maximizing biodiversity and sustainability using local resources. Additionally, students will document their process and findings in a digital portfolio, showcasing their understanding of community planning and the project's impact. The final presentation will involve sharing their designs and insights with local stakeholders, fostering a dialogue on community gardening initiatives.

Launch

Kick off the project with a field trip to a local community garden where students will observe and interact with gardeners to understand the intricacies of sustainable gardening practices. Engage students in a guided tour focusing on soil composition, plant selection, and resource management strategies. Conclude the visit with a collaborative discussion on how these practices can be adapted and improved for their own community garden design, encouraging students to note potential challenges and opportunities they might encounter.

Exhibition

Students will organize a Community Garden Festival, inviting local residents, experts, and school peers to explore their sustainable garden designs. Each group will present their garden model, highlighting how they incorporated soil science, plant biology, and community planning principles. Interactive stations will allow attendees to learn about local resources, biodiversity, and sustainability practices. The festival will also feature guided tours of the garden, showcasing the students' hands-on work and the positive impact on the community.