10th, 11th, 12th Grades
Project
4 weeks
Garden Gurus: Building Green Futures!
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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.
Plan
Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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Activities |
Field Trip Kickoff - Visit a local community garden to observe sustainable gardening practices and discuss soil composition, plant selection, and resource management with gardeners. (60 min)
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Essential Question Exploration - Introduce the project's essential question and engage students in a brainstorming session to consider initial ideas for their community garden design. (20 min)
Soil Sample Collection - Students collect soil samples from various locations within the school grounds and nearby areas to analyze soil texture and composition. (40 min)
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Soil Analysis Lab - Conduct experiments to test soil samples for pH, nutrient levels, and moisture, identifying optimal conditions for plant growth. (40 min)
Native Plant Research - Students research native plant species that thrive in local soil conditions and promote biodiversity. (20 min)
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Community Planning Workshop - Discuss the principles of community planning and sustainable garden design, focusing on maximizing space and resource conservation. (30 min)
Garden Layout Design - Begin initial sketches of garden layouts, incorporating findings from soil analysis and plant research. (30 min)
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Collaborative Design Review - Students share their layout sketches and receive peer feedback, refining designs to better meet sustainability criteria. (30 min)
Digital Portfolio Setup - Introduce students to digital portfolio tools where they'll document their process and findings throughout the project. (30 min)
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Deliverables |
1. Soil analysis report documenting pH levels and nutrient content.
2. List of selected native plant species with justifications based on research. 3. Preliminary garden layout sketches with notes on plant placement and resource considerations. |
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Preparation |
1. Arrange transportation and permissions for the field trip to the local community garden.
2. Gather soil analysis kits, including pH meters and nutrient test kits, for student use. 3. Provide access to digital devices and research materials for plant biology exploration. 4. Prepare case study materials and resources on community planning for group study. 5. Ensure access to drawing tools and materials for garden layout sketches. |
Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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Activities |
Soil Amendment Workshop - Students explore various natural soil amendments and their benefits, selecting appropriate ones for their garden based on prior soil analysis. (30 min)
Amendment Application Practice - Students apply selected soil amendments to test plots, observing changes in soil texture and moisture retention. (30 min)
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Plant Biology Deep Dive - Conduct an interactive session on plant physiology, focusing on how native plants adapt to local conditions. (30 min)
Seed Selection and Germination - Students choose seeds for their garden based on research and begin germination experiments. (30 min)
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Water Management Strategies - Analyze different water conservation techniques and their application in garden design, discussing their impact on sustainability. (30 min)
Irrigation Design Challenge - Students design a basic irrigation system for their garden, considering efficiency and resource conservation. (30 min)
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Biodiversity Integration Session - Discuss strategies to enhance biodiversity in the garden, including companion planting and habitat creation. (30 min)
Biodiversity Planning - Students incorporate biodiversity elements into their garden designs, updating sketches and plans. (30 min)
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Design Presentation Preparation - Students prepare presentations of their updated garden designs, focusing on soil, plant, and biodiversity elements. (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Present designs to peers for constructive feedback, highlighting areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. (30 min)
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Deliverables |
1. A detailed soil analysis report outlining nutrient levels and recommendations for soil improvement.
2. A list of selected native plant species with justification for their inclusion based on biodiversity and growth conditions. 3. A draft garden layout design, including proposed plant placements and sustainable practices. 4. A summary of community survey results highlighting key insights and how they inform the garden design. |
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Preparation |
1. Procure soil testing kits for nutrient analysis.
2. Gather research materials and resources on local native plant species. 3. Prepare community survey tools such as questionnaires or digital forms. 4. Arrange for group collaboration spaces to facilitate design discussions. 5. Set up a schedule for community survey distribution and collection. |
Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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Activities |
Garden Infrastructure Exploration - Students investigate necessary infrastructure components for sustainable gardens, including pathways and compost bins, and discuss their impact on garden functionality and sustainability. (30 min)
Infrastructure Design Planning - Begin designing infrastructure elements within garden layouts, ensuring they align with sustainability and community planning principles. (30 min)
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Resource Inventory Assessment - Conduct a thorough inventory of available resources and materials needed to create the infrastructure, considering sustainability practices. (30 min)
Material Sourcing Strategy - Develop a plan to source materials locally and sustainably, integrating findings into garden designs. (30 min)
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Plant Maintenance and Care Workshop - Learn about ongoing plant care needs, including pruning, pest management, and seasonal adjustments, focusing on native plants. (30 min)
Integrating Maintenance Plans - Incorporate maintenance strategies into garden designs, ensuring long-term plant health and sustainability. (30 min)
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Community Impact Assessment - Analyze potential impacts of the garden design on local community, discussing social, economic, and environmental benefits. (30 min)
Community Engagement Strategy - Develop a plan to involve community stakeholders in garden implementation and ongoing care. (30 min)
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Final Design Refinement - Refine garden designs based on feedback and assessments, ensuring all elements of soil science, plant biology, and community planning are integrated. (30 min)
Progress Documentation - Update digital portfolios with refined designs and insights gained throughout the week, preparing for final presentations. (30 min)
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Deliverables |
1. A digital document analyzing soil nutrient levels and ideal conditions for selected native plant species.
2. Digital blueprints of the sustainable community garden layout, including annotations on plant selections and soil preparation. 3. Mid-project presentation slides showcasing garden layout progress and integration of soil science and plant biology. |
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Preparation |
1. Gather soil testing kits and ensure all necessary materials for soil analysis are available.
2. Provide access to research databases or online resources for students to explore native plant species and their ecological benefits. 3. Set up digital design software platforms for students to create and annotate garden layout blueprints. 4. Ensure access to presentation tools and equipment for students to prepare and deliver their mid-project presentations. 5. Arrange for a feedback session involving peers and possibly local gardening experts to provide input on students' progress. |
Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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Activities |
Final Design Refinement - Students make last adjustments to their garden designs, ensuring all elements of soil science, plant biology, and community planning are integrated effectively. (30 min)
Presentation Development - Students begin crafting their final presentations, focusing on how their designs address the essential question and promote sustainability. (30 min)
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Digital Portfolio Completion - Students finalize their digital portfolios, including documentation of their design process, research findings, and reflections on learning. (30 min)
Rehearsal and Feedback - Practice final presentations in small groups, providing and receiving constructive feedback to enhance clarity and impact. (30 min)
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Community Stakeholder Engagement - Prepare for the Community Garden Festival by drafting invitations and outreach materials to engage local stakeholders. (30 min)
Logistics Planning - Organize the setup of interactive stations and garden model displays, coordinating roles and responsibilities for the festival day. (30 min)
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Festival Setup and Walkthrough - Set up the garden festival space, conduct a walkthrough to ensure all elements are ready, and troubleshoot any last-minute issues. (30 min)
Final Presentation Polishing - Make final adjustments to presentations, focusing on delivery and engagement techniques for the upcoming festival. (30 min)
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Community Garden Festival - Host the festival, presenting sustainable garden designs to community members, peers, and stakeholders, facilitating discussions on sustainability. (60 min)
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Deliverables |
1. Completed garden blueprint with detailed annotations on soil science and plant biology considerations.
2. Digital portfolio showcasing the project journey, including research, design process, and final blueprint. 3. Presentation script and materials for the Community Garden Festival. 4. Interactive station setup plan for engaging festival attendees. |
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Preparation |
1. Ensure access to digital tools for creating the digital portfolio and presentation materials.
2. Organize a schedule for practice presentations, including a feedback session with peers or mentors. 3. Gather materials for interactive stations, such as soil samples, plant specimens, and educational resources. 4. Coordinate with school administration for logistical support during the Community Garden Festival. 5. Prepare invitations and promotional materials for local stakeholders and community members attending the festival. |