-
Elementary School Grade
- Project
- 9 weeks
Sprinkle of Kale: From Garden to Sale!
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to immerse elementary students in a dynamic learning experience that connects gardening, engineering, and entrepreneurship, aligned with Florida standards. Through hands-on activities, students will explore sustainable agriculture, design innovative water systems, and develop business strategies for selling garden products. This multidisciplinary approach aims to cultivate students' problem-solving skills, creativity, and understanding of real-world applications, fostering a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Learning goals
Students will gain a deep understanding of sustainable gardening practices by actively participating in the design and maintenance of a community garden, aligning with Florida's science standards for understanding ecosystems. They will develop engineering skills by collaborating on the creation of a rainwater harvesting system, learning to apply concepts of water flow and resource management, in accordance with Florida's engineering and technology standards. Through interactions with local entrepreneurs, students will acquire fundamental business skills, including product development and marketing strategies, as they transform garden harvests into marketable products, meeting Florida's social studies standards for economics. Throughout the project, students will enhance their teamwork, problem-solving, and communication abilities, fostering a holistic approach to real-world challenges.
Standards
- Florida Standards - SC.3.L.14.1: Describe structures in plants and their roles in food production, support, water and nutrient transport, and reproduction.
- Florida Standards - SC.3.E.6.1: Demonstrate that radiant energy from the Sun can heat objects and when the Sun is not present, heat may be lost.
- Florida Standards - MAFS.3.MD.1.1: Tell and write time to the nearest minute and measure time intervals in minutes.
Products
Throughout the project, students will create a thriving school garden, a functional rainwater sprinkler system, and a line of garden-based products such as kale chips. By the end of the 9 weeks, students will have developed a comprehensive business plan and an online store platform to market and sell their garden products. Additionally, they will produce visual and written presentations showcasing their engineering designs and entrepreneurial strategies, ready for the Community Showcase Day and Market Day Extravaganza. These activities align with Florida standards by integrating science, engineering, and economics principles into real-world applications.
Launch
Start the project with an engaging 'Garden Adventure Day' at a local community garden, where students participate in planting activities and learn about plant species and growth needs, aligning with Florida's science standards on ecosystems. Complement this with an 'Engineering Exploration Workshop,' where students collaborate with engineering students to brainstorm and sketch designs for a rainwater harvesting system, integrating Florida's technology standards. Inspire entrepreneurial thinking with an 'Entrepreneurship Inspiration Session,' featuring local business owners who share success stories and guide students in creating vision boards for their garden product business ideas, adhering to Florida's social studies standards on economics.
Exhibition
Students will proudly present their achievements during a 'Garden Gala,' showcasing their freshly harvested produce and demonstrating their innovative rainwater sprinkler systems. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste and purchase kale chips, providing students with real-world experience in marketing and sales. This event will also feature interactive booths where students share their business plans and engage with the community, highlighting their entrepreneurial journey. The exhibition will align with Florida standards by incorporating elements of science, engineering, and economics, ensuring students demonstrate their learning across multiple disciplines.
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Garden Adventure Day - Students visit a local community garden to explore different plant species and participate in planting activities, enhancing understanding of plant biology and ecosystems (30 min)
|
Engineering Exploration Workshop - Students collaborate with engineering students to brainstorm and sketch initial ideas for a rainwater harvesting system, applying basic engineering principles (30 min)
|
Entrepreneurship Inspiration Session - Students engage with local entrepreneurs who share their success stories and guide them in creating vision boards for their garden product business ideas, fostering entrepreneurial thinking (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Create a vision board outlining business ideas for garden products.
2. Sketch and annotate initial designs for a rainwater harvesting system. |
||
| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with local community garden for 'Garden Adventure Day' access and activities.
2. Gather materials such as plant seeds, gardening tools, and identification guides for plants. 3. Arrange partnership with engineering students and prepare materials for water flow simulation. 4. Invite local entrepreneurs for the 'Entrepreneurship Inspiration Session' and prepare vision board materials like paper, markers, and magazines. |
||
| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Soil Health Workshop - Students investigate different types of soil and their properties, learning about soil health and its impact on plant growth (30 min)
|
Garden Design Session - Students work in groups to plan the layout of their garden, considering plant needs and space, and sketch their designs (30 min)
|
Rainwater System Planning - Students review their rainwater harvesting system sketches and refine their designs with input from engineering students, focusing on water flow efficiency (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed soil analysis and observations documented in the 'Garden Journal'.
2. Initial sketches and plans for the rainwater harvesting system including labeled diagrams. 3. Vision board outlining ideas for garden-based products. |
||
| Preparation |
1. Gather soil testing kits and materials for students to analyze soil samples.
2. Provide seeds and planting tools for garden plot activities. 3. Organize a workshop space with drawing materials to facilitate rainwater system brainstorming. 4. Invite an engineer to guide the students in refining their initial sketches. 5. Prepare visual aids and materials for the entrepreneurship vision board session. 6. Coordinate with community partners for any guest presentations or workshops. |
||
| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Plant Growth Observation - Students visit the garden to observe and document the growth of their plants, noting changes in height, color, and leaf structure, which aligns with understanding plant biology (30 min)
|
Sprinkler System Design - Students collaborate in small groups to finalize their rainwater sprinkler system designs, incorporating feedback from engineering students and focusing on efficiency and sustainability (30 min)
|
Business Plan Development - Students work on drafting a business plan for their garden products, outlining their target audience, pricing strategy, and marketing approach, inspired by insights from local entrepreneurs (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed sketches and prototypes of rainwater collection and sprinkler systems.
2. Updated garden journals with detailed entries on the irrigation experiments and design process. |
||
| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for water transportation experiments, including tubes, funnels, and various absorbent materials.
2. Arrange a visit from engineering students for a collaborative design session. 3. Prepare space for students to construct and test their irrigation models. 4. Ensure access to garden journals for documentation and reflection exercises. |
||
| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Garden Maintenance and Observation - Students perform garden maintenance tasks such as weeding and watering, while observing plant growth and discussing changes with peers to deepen understanding of plant biology (30 min)
Sprinkler System Construction - Students begin constructing their rainwater sprinkler system using provided materials, applying engineering concepts learned in previous sessions (30 min)
|
Prototype Testing and Adjustment - Students test their sprinkler system prototypes in the garden, observing water flow and distribution, and make necessary adjustments for improved efficiency (30 min)
Market Research Activity - Students conduct market research by exploring existing garden products online, identifying target markets and potential competitors to refine their business strategies (30 min)
|
Sprinkler System Finalization - Students finalize their sprinkler system designs, ensuring they meet sustainability and resource management goals, readying for presentation (30 min)
Business Plan Pitch Preparation - Students prepare to pitch their business plans by practicing presentation skills, incorporating feedback from peers and mentors to strengthen their proposals (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Rainwater Collection System Prototype - Students will present their completed prototypes and explain the design choices they made.
2. Soil Quality Report - Each group will submit a report detailing their soil analysis findings, including moisture levels, pH, and nutrient content, and suggest improvements for the garden. |
||
| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for the rainwater collection prototypes, such as plastic bottles, tubing, connectors, and waterproof containers.
2. Prepare soil testing kits, including pH strips, moisture meters, and nutrient testing materials, for the soil quality analysis activity. 3. Provide graph paper and drawing tools for students to sketch their garden layout plans. 4. Coordinate with engineering students or professionals to offer guidance and feedback on the rainwater system designs. |
||
| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Sprinkler System Installation - Students work together to install their rainwater sprinkler systems in the garden, applying engineering concepts and ensuring proper functionality (30 min)
|
Sprinkler Performance Testing - Students observe the operation of their sprinkler systems, measuring water distribution and identifying areas for improvement, aligning with engineering standards (30 min)
|
Garden Product Development - Students brainstorm and plan the production of kale chips, focusing on recipe creation and packaging design to align with their business strategy (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. A detailed report on the performance and efficiency of the rainwater harvesting system, including observations and suggested improvements.
2. A documented and tested kale chip recipe, ready for production. 3. A draft marketing plan for selling kale chips, including proposed packaging design and pricing strategy. |
||
| Preparation |
1. Ensure all necessary materials for testing the rainwater system are available, such as measuring cups, timers, and notebooks for recording data.
2. Provide ingredients and tools for kale chip recipe experimentation, including various seasonings and baking equipment. 3. Prepare resources on marketing strategies, such as examples of packaging designs and pricing models, to guide students in their business strategy meeting. |
||
| Week 6 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Sprinkler System Evaluation - Students conduct a thorough evaluation of their installed rainwater sprinkler systems, noting performance, efficiency, and any necessary improvements, fostering problem-solving skills (30 min)
Garden Maintenance and Reflection - Students engage in garden maintenance tasks while reflecting on their observations and discussing sustainability practices with peers (30 min)
|
Kale Chip Production - Students begin the production process for kale chips, measuring ingredients, and following recipe steps to learn about product creation and food science (30 min)
Packaging Design Workshop - Students design creative and sustainable packaging for their kale chips, considering branding and consumer appeal, aligned with entrepreneurship goals (30 min)
|
Product Quality Assessment - Students taste-test their kale chips, evaluate quality, and make adjustments to recipes based on feedback, enhancing understanding of product development (30 min)
Marketing Strategy Session - Students finalize their marketing strategies for selling kale chips by developing promotional materials and planning online store presentations (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Students will complete the design and construction of a prototype rainwater sprinkler system and demonstrate its functionality during a class presentation.
2. Each student will create a detailed sketch and written description of their rainwater sprinkler system design, including key features and expected outcomes, to be included in their Garden Journal. |
||
| Preparation |
1. Gather materials needed for constructing rainwater sprinkler prototypes, including PVC pipes, connectors, small water pumps, buckets, and measuring tools.
2. Coordinate with the engineering college to schedule the student visit for collaborative design and testing sessions during the week. 3. Ensure access to the school garden space for practical demonstrations and testing of the sprinkler system prototypes. 4. Prepare resources on basic engineering principles and water flow mechanics suitable for elementary students. 5. Organize a workshop with engineering students to assist elementary students in refining their designs and provide guidance on construction techniques. |
||
| Week 7 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Kale Chip Production - Students prepare and bake kale chips using harvested kale, focusing on recipe execution and teamwork (30 min)
|
Packaging and Branding - Students design and create packaging for their kale chips, incorporating creative branding elements and ensuring functionality (30 min)
|
Online Store Creation - Students work on setting up an online platform to sell their kale chips, including product descriptions and pricing strategy (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Updated Garden Journal entries documenting plant growth and health observations.
2. Evaluation report of the rainwater sprinkler system's effectiveness and any adjustments made. 3. A batch of kale chips prepared and ready for packaging. 4. Draft marketing plan for selling kale chips, including packaging design and pricing strategy. 5. Visual presentation and pitch script for the Community Showcase Day. |
||
| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for kale chip preparation, including dehydrators, seasoning, and packaging supplies.
2. Ensure the rainwater sprinkler system is set up and functioning for testing. 3. Coordinate with local entrepreneurs to provide feedback and guidance on marketing plans. 4. Prepare materials for visual presentations, including poster boards, markers, and digital tools if needed. 5. Organize practice sessions for students to rehearse their presentations and refine their pitches. |
||
| Week 8 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Online Store Finalization - Students review their online store setup, ensuring all product descriptions, pricing, and promotional materials are accurate and appealing (30 min)
Marketing Material Creation - Students work on creating marketing materials for their kale chips, including posters and digital advertisements using creative and persuasive techniques (30 min)
|
Mock Sale Simulation - Students conduct a mock sale of their kale chips, practicing customer interaction, transaction handling, and inventory management to prepare for the Market Day Extravaganza (30 min)
Feedback and Improvement Session - Students receive feedback from peers and mentors on their sales techniques and marketing materials, allowing them to make necessary improvements (30 min)
|
Garden Reflection Circle - Students gather in the garden to reflect on their entire project journey, discussing challenges, successes, and lessons learned about sustainability and entrepreneurship (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Students present their roles and contributions to the project, receive constructive feedback from classmates, and discuss how they can improve their approaches to both academic and socio-emotional aspects of the project (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed kale chip packaging design, including label and logo.
2. Set up of an online store page with product listings and pricing. 3. Written marketing strategy outline for selling kale chips. 4. Feedback notes from prototype testing session. |
||
| Preparation |
1. Gather art supplies such as markers, colored pencils, paper, and digital devices for designing packaging and branding.
2. Ensure access to a safe and child-friendly e-commerce platform for setting up online stores. 3. Prepare sample marketing materials and examples to inspire students' marketing strategies. 4. Coordinate with community partners to attend the prototype testing session and provide feedback. |
||
| Week 9 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Garden Gala Preparation - Students organize and prepare their garden produce, rainwater sprinkler systems, and kale chips for presentation at the Garden Gala, ensuring all elements are ready for display (30 min)
Presentation Rehearsal - Students practice presenting their projects, including how their garden and rainwater system work, and rehearse for interactions with community members and parents at the Gala (30 min)
|
Final Garden Maintenance - Students perform final maintenance tasks in the garden, such as harvesting and cleaning up, to ensure it is in top condition for the Garden Gala (30 min)
Exhibition Setup - Students set up exhibition booths, arranging their products and systems for the Garden Gala, making sure everything is clearly labeled and visually appealing (30 min)
|
Garden Gala and Market Day Extravaganza - Students host the Garden Gala, showcasing their projects to parents and community partners, conducting sales of kale chips, and receiving feedback on their work, celebrating their achievements (60 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Finalized kale chips product ready for sale, including packaging and labeling
2. Sales pitch presentation for Market Day 3. Reflection journal entry detailing the project experience 4. Participation in Market Day Extravaganza |
||
| Preparation |
1. Prepare kale chips ingredients and packaging materials
2. Set up a practice area for sales pitch presentations 3. Gather reflection journal materials for students 4. Organize space and materials for the Market Day Extravaganza 5. Coordinate with community partners and parents for the Community Showcase Day |
||