All grades
Project
4 weeks
Mud, Soil & Native Plants: A Playful Journey
1-pager
Purpose
The purpose of this learning experience is to engage students in hands-on exploration of mud and soil to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a deeper connection to their local environment. Through collaborative projects like creating a mud kitchen recipe book and a mural using natural pigments, students will discover the artistic and cultural stories soil can tell. This project encourages students to reflect on their relationship with the land, enhancing their sense of identity and belonging within their community.
Learning goals
Students will explore and experiment with mud and soil to create art and understand their local environment, meeting National Core Arts Standards through imaginative play and media arts. They will engage in self-directed learning by using feedback and reflection to guide their projects, fostering a sense of identity and belonging. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be developed as students investigate the historical and cultural stories told by soil, using innovative approaches to connect with their community.
Standards
- [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Cr1.1.Ka - Engage in exploration and imaginative play with materials.
- [National Core Arts Standards] MA:Cr1.1.K - Discover and share ideas for media artworks using play and experimentation
- [National Core Arts Standards] MA:Pr5.1.K.c - Practice, discover, and share how media arts creation tools work.
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
Students will collaboratively create a mud kitchen recipe book, documenting their experiments and favorite mud pie recipes. They will also design and cultivate a native garden learning space at school, fostering a deeper connection with local flora. Additionally, students will produce a garden guide book, detailing the plants and their care, and create a mural using natural pigments from soil to depict the diversity of California native plants.
Launch
Kick off the project with a 'Mud Kitchen Masterclass' where students dive into hands-on exploration by crafting imaginative mud sculptures and structures. This activity encourages creativity and collaboration as students experiment with the properties of mud, sparking curiosity about its ecological significance. The masterclass sets the stage for deeper inquiry into the essential questions, fostering a sense of connection to the local environment and community.
Exhibition
Students will host a vibrant 'Mud Art Exhibition' showcasing their creations, including mud sculptures, structures, and a collaborative mural. Interactive stations will invite visitors to engage with mud and soil, fostering community involvement and appreciation for local environments. The exhibition will also feature the students' mud pie recipe books and garden guide books, allowing attendees to explore the culinary and botanical aspects of the project.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Mud and Soil Exploration - Students will explore the outdoor mud kitchen, experiment with different types of soil, and observe textures, colors, and water absorption. (40 min)
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Soil Texture Investigation - Students will collect soil samples from the schoolyard and use magnifying glasses to examine textures, discussing how different soil types might affect plant growth. (20 min)
Mud Sculptures - Using the mud kitchen, students will create sculptures and structures, engaging in creative play while considering mud's role in the ecosystem. (20 min)
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Plant Observation and Sketching - Students will observe existing plants in the schoolyard, sketching them and noting their features to understand how soil affects growth. (20 min)
Soil Diversity Discussion - Facilitate a group discussion where students share their observations and questions about soil textures and plant growth. (20 min)
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Designing the Native Plant Garden - Students will brainstorm and sketch ideas for the layout of the California native plant garden, considering how different soil types support various plants. (40 min)
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Creating Soil Observation Journals - Students will start journals to document the characteristics and effects of different soil types on plant growth, recording observations from the week. (20 min)
Reflection and Feedback - Students will engage in self-reflection and peer feedback sessions, discussing their findings and experiences from the week's activities. (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Mud sculptures and structures created by students during the Mud Kitchen Masterclass.
2. Sketches and notes detailing observations of plants and soil from the group walk. 3. Results from soil texture and absorption experiments documented in journals. 4. Completed entries in soil observation journals reflecting on the week's activities. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather various soil samples from different areas around the schoolyard.
2. Set up a portable mud kitchen with tools and materials for mud sculpting. 3. Prepare sketchpads and pencils for students to document plant observations. 4. Provide containers and water for soil texture and absorption experiments. 5. Create soil observation journals for students to record their findings. |
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| Week 2 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Soil Sample Investigation - Students will dig and collect soil samples from different locations in the schoolyard, observing variations in soil color and texture. They will record their initial observations in their soil journals. (20 min)
Comparing Soil Samples - Using magnifying glasses, students will examine their collected soil samples more closely, noting differences in texture and material composition, which will be used to inform garden planning. (20 min)
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Introduction to Garden Design - Students will discuss the purpose of their native plant garden and identify key features they want to include, such as plant types and paths, using sketches as a visual tool. (20 min)
Garden Planning Workshop - Working in pairs, students will create preliminary plans for the layout of the garden, considering the soil types best suited for different plants. They will share their ideas with the class for feedback. (20 min)
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Plant Selection Exploration - Students will research California native plants, learning about their growth requirements and habitats. They will choose plants for their garden project, considering soil compatibility. (20 min)
Collaborative Garden Map Creation - Students will work together to combine their individual garden plans into a comprehensive map of the garden, deciding on plant placement and pathways. (20 min)
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Soil and Water Absorption Experiment - Students will conduct a simple experiment to test water absorption rates in different soil types, documenting their findings in their soil journals. (20 min)
Reflective Discussion - In small groups, students will discuss how their water absorption findings can influence plant growth and garden design, sharing insights and adjusting their plans if necessary. (20 min)
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Garden Construction Preparation - Students will list the materials and tools needed to begin creating their garden, considering what they can gather or need to request. (20 min)
Feedback and Reflection Session - Students will review their garden map and plant selections, engaging in peer feedback to refine their plans and reflect on how their soil studies inform their project. (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed soil observation journals with sketches and reflections.
2. Group research reports on California native plants and suitable soil types. 3. Initial garden layout design drafts, including mud play area placement. 4. A section of the 'Mud Kitchen Recipe Book' with tested mud mixtures and reflections. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather soil samples from different areas around the school for analysis.
2. Provide magnifying glasses, notebooks, and pencils for detailed soil observation and sketching. 3. Prepare research materials or digital access for learning about California native plants. 4. Set up a space for collaborative garden layout planning, including paper and markers. 5. Ensure access to water for mud play and mixing during the 'Mud Kitchen Recipe Book' creation. |
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| Week 3 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14 | Day 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Garden Bed Preparation - Students will mark the areas for planting in the garden, ensuring they align with their garden map plans. They will work in teams to clear debris and prepare the soil for planting. (40 min)
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Planting Day - Students will plant the selected California native plants in their prepared garden beds, following their collaborative garden map to place each plant in the appropriate soil type. Students will document the process in their soil observation journals. (40 min)
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Mud Kitchen Recipe Development - Students will experiment with creating different mud recipes using their mud kitchen, focusing on textures and consistencies. They will draft recipes to include in their mud kitchen recipe book. (20 min)
Native Plant Care Research - Students will learn about caring for their planted native plants, including watering schedules and observing plant health, to ensure successful growth. (20 min)
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Photo Journal Compilation - Students will begin compiling a photo journal, documenting the transformation of their garden space and their planting activities, focusing on the role of soil in plant growth. (20 min)
Garden Care Plan - Students will develop a basic care plan for their garden, detailing responsibilities for watering and monitoring plant health. They will work in groups to assign tasks. (20 min)
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Mural Planning - Students will plan a collaborative mural that showcases the diversity of California native plants and their habitats. They will sketch ideas and decide on natural pigments that can be used for the mural. (20 min)
Reflection and Feedback Session - Students will engage in self-reflection and peer feedback, discussing their progress, experiences, and any adjustments needed for their garden care plan and project deliverables. (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Soil observation journals with detailed notes and sketches
2. Experiments results on soil properties 3. Garden design sketches 4. Planted section of the native plant garden 5. Video or presentation reflecting on soil and plant interactions |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather soil testing kits (pH, texture, water retention)
2. Collect gardening tools (trowels, gloves, watering cans) 3. Prepare a variety of native plant seeds and seedlings 4. Ensure access to cameras or tablets for video recordings 5. Set up a designated space for students to sketch and design their garden plans |
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| Week 4 | Day 16 | Day 17 | Day 18 | Day 19 | Day 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Planting - Students will work together to plant the selected California native plants in their garden, following the garden map and considering soil compatibility. (40 min)
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Garden Guide Book Creation - Students will compile their observations and research into a Garden Guide Book, highlighting the features of their native plant garden and the significance of soil diversity. (20 min)
Photo Journal Compilation - Students will organize photos and reflections into a journal that documents the transformation of the garden space and their learning journey. (20 min)
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Mural Design Workshop - Students will design a mural that showcases California native plants using natural pigments derived from soil, planning the layout and colors. (20 min)
Collaborative Mural Painting - Students will work together to create the mural, using soil pigments and considering the diversity of plant habitats. (20 min)
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Community Garden Day Preparation - Students will prepare for the community garden day, practicing presentations and setting up interactive stations to share their insights and mud kitchen recipes. (20 min)
Reflection and Feedback - Students will engage in self-reflection and peer feedback, discussing their growth throughout the project and finalizing their Garden Guide Book. (20 min)
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Community Garden Day - Students will host a community event, guiding visitors through the native plant garden, sharing their Garden Guide Book and mud kitchen recipes, and encouraging dialogue about soil diversity and sustainability. (40 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A completed mud kitchen recipe book featuring students' favorite recipes.
2. A garden guide book that documents the process of creating the native plant garden and includes observations on soil and plant interactions. 3. A collaborative mural showcasing the diversity of California native plants and their habitats. 4. A successful community garden day where students present their findings and engage the community in learning about soil and native plants. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather art supplies such as paper, paints, brushes, and natural pigments for the collaborative mural.
2. Compile and print the mud kitchen recipe book for distribution. 3. Print and bind the garden guide book, ensuring each student has a personal copy. 4. Prepare materials for interactive stations at the festival, including soil samples, plant labels, and demonstration tools. 5. Arrange logistics for the community garden day, including setting up the garden space, organizing student roles, and inviting community members to attend. |
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