"Garden Glitz: Design & Grow Challenge!"

8th Grade Project 2 weeks

"Garden Glitz: Design & Grow Challenge!"

Alexa T

6-8.AF.6.7

6-8.AF.1.2

MS-LS2-5

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

+ 1 more

1-pager

Purpose

Explore the intersection of science, design, and sustainability by creating a thriving garden tailored to your local environment. Engage in hands-on learning as you research, design, and construct a garden model, applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Collaborate with peers to reflect on your progress and adapt your strategies, fostering a deeper understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Through this project, develop a sense of place and identity, enhancing your self-directed learning and academic mindset.

Learning goals

By the end of this project, you will have developed the ability to research and analyze local climate and soil conditions to make informed decisions about plant selection for a thriving garden. You will enhance your skills in designing and constructing a garden model, applying critical thinking and problem-solving to overcome challenges. Through self-directed learning, you will reflect on your progress, using feedback to guide your project development and deepen your understanding of ecosystem services and biodiversity.

Standards

[Next Generation Science Standards] 6-8.AF.6.7 - Undertake a design project, engaging in the design cycle, to construct and/or implement a solution that meets specific design criteria and constraints.
[Next Generation Science Standards] 6-8.AF.1.2 - Define a design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process or system and includes multiple criteria and constraints, including scientific knowledge that may limit possible solutions.
[Next Generation Science Standards] MS-LS2-5 - Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Design and construct a small-scale model of your garden using recycled materials, showcasing your research-informed layout and plant selection. Document your entire process in a digital portfolio, including photos, sketches, and reflections on challenges and successes. Facilitate a gallery walk to present your model and portfolio, engaging peers in constructive feedback and discussion about your design choices and problem-solving strategies.

Launch

Begin your gardening project with a visit to a local community garden or a virtual tour of diverse gardens worldwide. Observe the variety of plants, layouts, and design strategies used to adapt to different climates and soil conditions. Engage in a group discussion to share insights and brainstorm initial ideas for your own garden design, considering how these observations can inform your project.

Exhibition

Host a garden showcase where you present your small-scale garden models to classmates, teachers, and community members. Set up stations where you can explain your design choices, plant selection, and the process documented in your digital portfolio. Facilitate a gallery walk where you can view and provide feedback on each other's projects, focusing on the innovative solutions and challenges addressed.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Garden Exploration - Visit a local community garden or take a virtual tour to observe plant varieties and design strategies, and document your observations in your digital portfolio (20 min)	Climate and Soil Research - Investigate local climate and soil conditions to identify suitable plants for your garden, and record your findings in your digital portfolio (20 min)	Design Brainstorm - Engage in a collaborative discussion to brainstorm initial garden design ideas based on your research and observations, sketching a preliminary design in your portfolio (20 min)	Design Refinement - Refine your garden design by incorporating feedback from peers and teachers, and finalize the layout in your digital portfolio (20 min)
Deliverables	1. By the end of Week 1, complete and submit a detailed digital portfolio entry that includes your research findings on local climate and soil conditions, a list of potential plants, and a rough sketch of your garden design with reflections.
Preparation	1. Ensure access to virtual garden tours and online resources about local climate and soil conditions. 2. Provide digital tools or platforms for students to document their research and design ideas. 3. Prepare materials for sketching garden designs, such as graph paper, pencils, and colored markers. 4. Organize a session with a local gardening expert or a virtual Q&A opportunity to discuss plant selection and garden design.

Week 2	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8
Activities	Model Construction - Begin constructing a small-scale model of your garden using recycled materials, focusing on accurately representing the layout and plant selection from your design (20 min)	Model Detailing - Enhance your garden model with additional details such as pathways, water sources, or decorative elements, ensuring all components are labeled and aligned with your design (20 min)	Portfolio Reflection - Add photos of your completed model to your digital portfolio and write a reflection on the design and construction process, including challenges faced and problem-solving strategies used (20 min)	Gallery Walk and Feedback - Set up your model for a class gallery walk, presenting your work and receiving feedback from peers; use this feedback for a final reflection in your portfolio (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete a small-scale model of your garden using recycled materials. 2. Finalize and submit your digital portfolio, including design sketches, photos of your model, and reflections on your process.
Preparation	1. Gather recycled materials (e.g., cardboard, plastic bottles, paper) for use in constructing garden models. 2. Ensure digital devices are available for documenting progress and feedback sessions. 3. Prepare a feedback form or checklist to guide peer feedback during the gallery walk. 4. Set up a space for the gallery walk where models can be displayed and viewed by peers.