Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Activities
Self-Reflection Retreat Kickoff - Engage in guided reflection activities to explore personal interests and passions related to community impact (20 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Share personal learning objectives and receive feedback from peers to refine and align goals with the community garden project (25 min)
Introduction to Project Objectives - Discuss the goals of the community garden project and how they relate to real-world community issues (15 min)
Exploration of Community Needs - Brainstorm and research local community needs that the garden can address, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving (30 min)
Collaborative Goal Setting - Work in small groups to set collective goals for the garden project, promoting collaboration and shared decision-making (25 min)
Community Partner Introduction - Learn about the roles of local horticulturists and community members as partners in the project (20 min)
Peer-Led Discussion - Facilitate discussions on self-directed learning and how to manage individual and group roles effectively (20 min)
Design Thinking Workshop - Participate in a design thinking session to develop innovative approaches for the garden layout and sustainable practices (25 min)
Digital Platform Setup - Create and introduce a digital platform for ongoing project updates and peer feedback (20 min)
Reflective Mural Creation - Begin a collaborative mural to visually document the learning journey and insights gained throughout the project (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Personal learning objectives document outlining goals for the community garden project.
2. Initial design sketches or ideas for the community garden project.
3. Participation in peer-led discussions and feedback sessions.
Preparation 1. Secure a location and materials for the 'Self-Reflection Retreat,' including journals, art supplies, and reflection prompts.
2. Coordinate with community partners, such as local horticulturists, to plan future engagements.
3. Prepare a digital platform or online space for students to share reflections and feedback.
4. Gather materials for designing the community garden, such as seed catalogs, garden planning books, and samples of garden plants.
5. Arrange space and resources for peer-led discussions, ensuring a collaborative environment.
Week 2
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Activities
Reflective Discussion - Facilitate a group discussion where students share insights from their 'Self-Reflection Retreat' and identify personal learning objectives related to the community garden project (20 min)
Community Connection - Introduce students to local horticulturists and community partners, allowing them to learn about sustainable gardening practices and community needs (25 min)
Research Session - Students conduct research on sustainable gardening techniques, focusing on plant selection and garden design to address community needs (25 min)
Peer Collaboration - Students work in teams to brainstorm and sketch initial designs for the community garden, considering feedback from peers and community partners (20 min)
Design Workshop - Facilitate a hands-on workshop where students refine their garden designs, integrating research findings and community feedback (30 min)
Feedback Forum - Host a feedback session where students present their designs to peers and community partners, receiving constructive feedback to enhance their projects (15 min)
Project Planning - Students create detailed implementation plans for their garden designs, including materials, timelines, and roles, collaborating with peers and community partners (25 min)
Reflective Journal - Students write reflections on their design process and the feedback received, considering how it impacts their sense of identity and belonging within the project (20 min)
Progress Checkpoint - Conduct a session where students present their project plans and receive guidance from peers and educators, ensuring alignment with community needs (25 min)
Team Building Activity - Engage in a collaborative activity that strengthens team dynamics and leadership roles, preparing students for the next phase of project implementation (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed project plan with tasks, timelines, and team roles
2. Updated digital portfolio with weekly reflections and documentation
Preparation 1. Arrange a meeting with local horticulturists for expert guidance
2. Gather materials such as soil testing kits, measuring tools, and cameras for documentation
3. Prepare project management tools for student use, such as Trello or Asana
4. Set up a platform for digital portfolios, ensuring all students have access
Week 3
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Activities
Community Garden Construction - Begin the physical creation of the community garden, collaborating with peers and community partners to implement the design (45 min)
Gardening Skills Workshop - Participate in a hands-on workshop led by local horticulturists, learning essential gardening techniques and practices (30 min)
Peer Reflection Session - Share experiences and challenges faced during the garden construction, fostering self-directed learning and critical thinking (15 min)
Sustainable Practices Integration - Work in teams to integrate sustainable gardening practices into the garden project, guided by community partners (25 min)
Feedback and Revision - Present updates on garden progress to peers and community partners, incorporating feedback to refine and enhance the project (20 min)
Documentation and Impact Assessment - Document the garden construction process and assess its impact on the environment and community well-being (25 min)
Collaborative Mural Update - Add reflections and insights to the classroom mural, highlighting the learning journey and fostering a sense of belonging (20 min)
Digital Portfolio Development - Compile reflections, feedback, and evidence of learning progress into a digital portfolio for the Community Impact Showcase (25 min)
Community Engagement Preparation - Prepare presentations and interactive stations for the upcoming showcase event, focusing on effective communication (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Group presentation on initial community garden design and plan, incorporating feedback from local horticulturists and peers.
2. Updated digital portfolio entry detailing personal contributions, reflections, and peer feedback received.
Preparation 1. Arrange a visit or virtual session with local horticulturists to provide expert feedback on garden designs.
2. Prepare digital tools and platforms for students to document their design process and reflections.
3. Set up collaborative working spaces for group discussions and design iteration sessions.
4. Gather materials for students to create visual aids for their presentations, such as poster boards, markers, and digital presentation software.
5. Schedule time for peer review sessions to allow students to receive and give constructive feedback.
Week 4
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Activities
Final Garden Implementation - Collaborate with community partners to finalize the planting and layout of the community garden, ensuring all design elements are in place (45 min)
Digital Portfolio Completion - Compile reflections, feedback, and evidence of learning progress into a digital portfolio, preparing for presentation at the showcase (25 min)
Exhibition Preparation - Create visual and digital elements for the Community Impact Showcase, practicing effective communication and presentation skills (20 min)
Community Impact Showcase Rehearsal - Conduct a mock presentation session with peers and educators, refining communication and presentation skills for the upcoming exhibition (30 min)
Peer Feedback Exchange - Engage in a session to provide and receive feedback on exhibition materials, enhancing quality and impact (15 min)
Reflective Mural Completion - Contribute final reflections and insights to the collaborative mural, visually documenting the learning journey and fostering shared growth (25 min)
Community Engagement Strategy - Develop strategies for engaging community members during the showcase, ensuring meaningful interaction and impact (20 min)
Community Impact Showcase - Present the community garden project to local leaders, parents, and peers, demonstrating effective communication and critical reflection (45 min)
Deliverables
1. Complete the community garden setup and document its final state.
2. Prepare and deliver a group presentation at the 'Community Impact Showcase.'
3. Finalize and submit the digital portfolio showcasing reflections and learning evidence.
4. Contribute to the collaborative mural or visual timeline with personal reflections.
Preparation 1. Ensure all necessary gardening tools and materials are available for finalizing the garden setup.
2. Provide access to technology and software needed for creating digital presentations and portfolios.
3. Coordinate with community partners and local leaders to confirm attendance and participation in the showcase.
4. Set up the venue for the 'Community Impact Showcase,' including displays and interactive stations.
5. Prepare feedback forms for attendees to provide insights on student presentations.