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Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Activities
Project Introduction and Essential Question Exploration - Introduce the community garden project, discuss the essential question, and brainstorm initial ideas and questions related to the project (20 min)
Virtual Tour and Observation - Take a virtual tour of a community garden, encouraging students to observe plant arrangements and layout, and discuss initial observations with peers (20 min)
Mathematical Concepts in Gardening - Facilitate a discussion on applying volume, fractions, and decimals in garden design, focusing on how these concepts will be used in the project (20 min)
Sketching Initial Garden Designs - Students create rough sketches of their garden designs, incorporating mathematical concepts discussed, and share with peers for feedback (20 min)
Feedback Reflection and Design Revision - Reflect on peer feedback, revise initial garden sketches, and document the changes and reasoning in their digital portfolios (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Deliverable 1: Initial Sketch of Garden Layout with Volume Calculations - Students submit a draft sketch of their garden design, including measurements of potential planting areas and initial volume calculations.
Preparation 1. Prep Task 1: Set up a virtual tour of a community garden, ensuring students have access to digital tools for observation and note-taking.
2. Prep Task 2: Gather unit cubes and other materials for hands-on volume measurement activities.
3. Prep Task 3: Provide graph paper and drawing tools for students to begin sketching their garden designs.
4. Prep Task 4: Prepare discussion prompts and visual aids to facilitate conversations on mathematical concepts and garden design.
Week 2
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Activities
Volume Measurement Exploration - Students use unit cubes and improvised units to measure the volume of various containers, documenting their findings in their digital portfolios (20 min)
Fraction and Decimal Application - Solve real-world problems related to garden plots using addition and subtraction of fractions and decimals, reflecting on strategies used in journals (20 min)
Creating Budget Plans - Students develop an initial budget for their garden using fraction and decimal calculations, recording their process and decisions in digital portfolios (20 min)
Peer Review and Feedback - Exchange budget plans with peers for review and constructive feedback, focusing on accuracy and clarity of calculations (20 min)
Budget Revision and Reflection - Revise budget plans based on peer feedback, documenting the revisions and reflections on feedback in their digital portfolios (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Preliminary garden design layout with calculated volumes for raised beds.
2. Budget breakdown using fractions and decimals for materials and resources.
Preparation 1. Gather unit cubes or blocks for volume measurement activities.
2. Prepare visual fraction models and fraction strips for hands-on learning.
3. Collect sample material prices for budgeting activity (e.g., soil, seeds, wood).
4. Provide graph paper and scale model tools for garden design drafting.
Week 3
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Activities
Scaling and Measurement Practice - Students practice scaling their garden designs to fit real-life dimensions, using rulers and graph paper to create accurate scale drawings (20 min)
Building 3D Models - Using materials like cardboard or clay, students construct 3D models of their garden designs, focusing on accurate representation of volume and layout (20 min)
Fraction and Decimal Problem Solving - Engage in solving complex problems related to garden space allocation and budgeting, using fractions and decimals to ensure efficient use of space and resources (20 min)
Collaborative Design Review - In small groups, students present their 3D models and budget plans, receiving and providing feedback on accuracy, creativity, and practicality (20 min)
Reflection and Portfolio Update - Students reflect on feedback received, revise their designs and budgets accordingly, and document their learning process in their digital portfolios (20 min)
Deliverables
1. A complete garden design layout with calculated volumes for each planting area.
2. A documented budget plan using decimals, detailing the cost of materials required for the garden.
3. A reflection journal entry summarizing feedback received and how it influenced their design and budgeting decisions.
Preparation 1. Gather materials such as unit cubes, grid paper, rulers, and conversion charts for volume measurement activities.
2. Provide access to digital tools or printed catalogs with real-world prices for garden materials to facilitate budgeting activities.
3. Organize peer review sessions by setting up a structured feedback form and guidelines to help students provide meaningful feedback.
4. Prepare a sample master example of a complete garden design and budget plan, demonstrating accurate calculations, creativity in design, and a well-documented reflection process.
Week 4
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Activities
Final Garden Design Presentation Preparation - Students finalize their garden designs and budget plans, ensuring accuracy in calculations and clear visual representation (20 min)
Peer Review for Final Presentation - Students present their final designs in pairs, providing and receiving feedback to refine presentation skills and ensure clarity in explaining mathematical reasoning (20 min)
Garden Expo Rehearsal - Practice presenting the garden design and budget plan to peers, focusing on communication skills and coherent explanation of the design process (20 min)
Community Garden Expo Set-Up - Arrange the space for the Garden Expo, preparing visual aids, 3D models, and digital portfolios for exhibition (20 min)
Garden Expo Presentation - Present final garden designs to community members, teachers, and peers, showcasing calculated volume, budget breakdown, and design process; Assessment will focus on accuracy, creativity, and presentation clarity (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed scaled model of the community garden.
2. Accurate and finalized budget plan using fractions and decimals.
3. Presentation materials including visual aids and digital slides.
4. Reflective journal entry documenting the learning journey and feedback received.
Preparation 1. Prepare materials for the garden models (e.g., cardboard, rulers, measuring tools).
2. Ensure access to digital tools for creating presentation slides and other visual aids.
3. Coordinate with community partners to attend the 'Garden Expo' and provide feedback.
4. Set up space for the 'Garden Expo,' ensuring it accommodates all student presentations.