1-Pager
Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Activities
Project Launch: Garden Design Challenge Kickoff - Introduce the essential question and project goals. Students form teams and begin brainstorming initial ideas for their community garden design, focusing on promoting biodiversity and educational value. (20 min)
Expert Insights Session - Invite a local botanical garden expert to discuss the importance of biodiversity and native plants, sparking inspiration and providing foundational knowledge for the garden design challenge. (30 min)
Exploring Biodiversity - Conduct a hands-on workshop where students learn about different ecosystems and the roles of native plant species, using interactive models and resources to visualize interactions among organisms. (25 min)
Sketching Initial Garden Ideas - Students work in their teams to sketch initial concepts for their community garden designs, incorporating elements that enhance biodiversity. (25 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Organize a peer review where teams present their initial garden sketches to classmates for feedback, focusing on how well the designs promote biodiversity and educational opportunities. (25 min)
Reflection Circle - Facilitate a discussion where students reflect on their learning progress, insights gained from peer feedback, and challenges encountered in the design process. (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Initial garden design sketches created by each team, incorporating elements that promote biodiversity.
2. Notes taken during the expert presentation on native plants and their roles in ecosystems.
3. Feedback summaries from peer review sessions for each team's garden design.
Preparation 1. Arrange for a local botanical garden expert to visit and present to the class.
2. Prepare materials needed for brainstorming and sketching garden designs, such as large sheets of paper, markers, and plant reference guides.
3. Set up a space for the peer review session, ensuring students have access to presentation tools like projectors or whiteboards.
Week 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Activities
Biodiversity Research - Students conduct research on local native plants and their roles in promoting ecosystem services, preparing information for their garden designs and educational pamphlets. (25 min)
Garden Design Refinement - Teams refine their initial garden sketches, incorporating insights from research and peer feedback to enhance biodiversity and educational components. (25 min)
Collaborative Workshop with Botanical Experts - Participate in a hands-on session with local botanical experts to gain practical knowledge about native plant species and their ecological roles. (30 min)
Integration of Expert Insights - Teams integrate new information and feedback from experts into their garden designs, ensuring alignment with biodiversity goals and educational value. (20 min)
Peer Review Session - Groups present updated garden designs to classmates, focusing on the integration of expert insights and research findings to promote biodiversity. (25 min)
Reflection and Self-Assessment - Facilitate a discussion where students reflect on the incorporation of feedback, research, and expert advice into their designs, assessing their progress and identifying areas for improvement. (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Detailed garden design sketches incorporating feedback from the Garden Design Challenge.
2. Draft versions of educational pamphlets or brochures outlining the importance of biodiversity and native plants.
3. A list of native plants selected for inclusion in the community garden, with justifications based on ecological benefits.
4. Reflection journal entries documenting insights gained from peer reviews and expert workshops.
5. Participation in peer review sessions, providing and receiving constructive feedback on garden designs.
6. A revised action plan for each team to further develop their garden designs based on feedback received.
Preparation 1. Coordinate with local botanical gardens to organize an expert-led workshop on native plant species and their ecological roles.
2. Gather materials for creating educational pamphlets, including paper, markers, and access to computers and printers.
3. Ensure access to resources such as books, articles, and digital content on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
4. Prepare a schedule for peer review sessions and reflection circles.
5. Arrange the classroom or a designated space for group work and presentations.
6. Set up a digital platform for students to share and receive feedback on their garden design ideas.
Week 3
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Activities
Drafting Educational Pamphlets - Students begin drafting their educational pamphlets, utilizing research and insights gained in previous weeks to highlight the importance of biodiversity and native plants. (25 min)
Peer Review of Drafts - Organize a session where students exchange drafts with peers for feedback, focusing on clarity, engagement, and scientific accuracy. (25 min)
Incorporating Feedback into Pamphlets - Students revise their drafts based on peer feedback, ensuring that their pamphlets effectively communicate the intended message about biodiversity. (20 min)
Designing Visuals for Pamphlets - Students create or source visuals, such as diagrams or illustrations, to enhance their pamphlets and make information more accessible. (30 min)
Finalization of Pamphlets - Students make final revisions to their educational pamphlets, focusing on layout and cohesion of text and visuals. (20 min)
Preparation for Biodiversity Festival - Teams begin planning their presentations for the Biodiversity Festival, considering how to engage and inform their audience effectively. (30 min)
Deliverables
1. Updated community garden designs incorporating peer feedback and workshop insights.
2. Draft sections of the educational pamphlets based on the workshop, focusing on native plant species and their ecological roles.
3. Reflection notes documenting personal learning progress, challenges faced, and insights gained during the week.
Preparation 1. Coordinate with local botanical garden experts to schedule the workshop and arrange transportation if needed.
2. Prepare materials for garden design revisions, including large sheets of paper, markers, and plant species information cards.
3. Organize the classroom or space for the peer review session, ensuring students have access to presentation tools such as projectors or whiteboards.
4. Create reflection prompts to guide the reflection circle, focusing on learning progress, challenges, and insights about biodiversity.
Week 4
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Activities
Finalizing Community Garden Designs - Students make final modifications to their garden designs, ensuring they align with biodiversity goals and incorporate all feedback received throughout the project. (25 min)
Rehearsal for Biodiversity Festival - Teams practice their presentations, focusing on clear communication and engaging storytelling to inform and captivate their audience. (25 min)
Exhibition Setup - Students work collaboratively to set up interactive displays and stations for the Biodiversity Festival, ensuring all materials and visuals are ready for presentation. (20 min)
Final Peer Review - Conduct a session where students provide last-minute feedback and support to each other, helping to refine their presentations and displays. (30 min)
Biodiversity Festival - Host the Biodiversity Festival where students present their community garden designs and educational pamphlets to families, community members, and botanical garden representatives, engaging attendees through interactive displays and guided tours. (50 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed and refined community garden designs incorporating biodiversity and educational elements.
2. Final versions of educational pamphlets or brochures about the importance of biodiversity and native plants.
3. Reflective portfolios documenting students' learning journey, feedback received, and self-assessment insights.
4. Interactive displays and guided tours presented during the Biodiversity Festival.
Preparation 1. Organize display boards and materials for interactive presentations.
2. Print and prepare educational pamphlets or brochures for distribution.
3. Coordinate with local botanical gardens and community members for festival participation.
4. Set up the exhibition space with necessary equipment (e.g., tables, chairs, projectors).
5. Ensure all technology is functional for any digital presentations or interactive components.