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All grades  Project 8 weeks

"Fluttering to Health: Green Thumbs Unite!"

Julia N
HS-LS2-7
MS-LS2-5
HS-LS2-7
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a hands-on learning experience that connects the school garden to broader themes of health, sustainability, and community. Through active participation in the creation and maintenance of a butterfly garden and greenhouse, students will explore the impact of human activities on the environment and learn to design solutions that promote biodiversity. This project fosters critical thinking, self-directed learning, and a sense of belonging as students collaborate with peers and community members, developing practical skills and knowledge that extend beyond the classroom.

Learning goals

Students will collaboratively design and implement a sustainable school garden, exploring the interconnectedness of food, health, and the environment. They will engage in critical thinking to evaluate the impact of human activities on biodiversity and develop innovative solutions for maintaining ecosystem services. Through self-directed learning, students will utilize feedback to refine their projects, fostering a sense of identity and belonging within their community. This hands-on experience will cultivate an academic mindset, encouraging students to reflect on their role in promoting a healthy community.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS2-7 - Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] MS-LS2-5 - Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS2-7 - Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
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 design and cultivate a butterfly garden and greenhouse, producing a variety of plants and vegetables. They will create informational signage and digital presentations to educate the community about the benefits of healthy eating and biodiversity. Additionally, students will document their learning journey through journals and visual media, culminating in a community showcase event where they present their findings and experiences.

Launch

To launch the project, students will participate in a community garden day where they will collaborate with local gardeners, FTC students, and community members to plant the first seeds in the butterfly garden. This hands-on experience will introduce them to the concepts of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and healthy eating. Students will document their observations and reflections in a garden journal, setting the stage for ongoing inquiry and self-directed learning throughout the project.

Exhibition

At the conclusion of the project, students will host a "Garden Showcase Day" where they guide community members, including FTC students and local experts, through the butterfly garden and greenhouse. Each grade level will present their findings on the relationship between food, health, and the environment, using visual displays and interactive demonstrations. Students will also share personal reflections on their learning journey, highlighting their self-directed growth and problem-solving experiences. The event will include taste tests of garden-grown produce, allowing attendees to experience the benefits of healthy eating firsthand.