Elementary School Grade  Project 9 weeks

Sprinkle of Kale: From Garden to Sale!

Angelica V
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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.