Garden Guardians: Nurturing Sustainable Growth

12th Grade

Project
5 weeks

Garden Guardians: Nurturing Sustainable Growth

Angelina Martinez

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to explore how gardening can promote sustainability within communities by designing a sustainable garden that benefits students. By collaborating with community partners like Olivewood Gardens and Grandpa, and potentially involving other students, you will gain valuable insights into sustainable gardening practices. Through this project, you will develop skills in teamwork, independence, and resource sharing, while learning how to effectively implement sustainability in your community. The project culminates in an exhibition where you will showcase your sustainable garden design, demonstrating your understanding and application of sustainability principles.

Learning goals

In this project, you will delve into the core content of gardening and sustainability, focusing on how these practices can benefit and promote sustainability within communities. You will research and learn about sustainable gardening techniques, exploring how to maintain and care for a garden effectively. Through collaboration with community partners like Olivewood Gardens and guidance from experienced individuals such as your Grandpa, you will gain practical insights into sustainable practices. Additionally, you will develop critical skills such as teamwork, independence, and resource-sharing, empowering you to make informed decisions about sustainability in your own life and community.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
NGSS - HS-LS2-7: Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4: Model with mathematics.

Products

In this project, you will design a sustainable garden that serves as a practical resource for students, offering them a hands-on experience in sustainability. You'll document your progress and insights through a vlog, showcasing the development of the garden and your learning journey. By collaborating with community partners like Olivewood Gardens and drawing on the wisdom of Grandpa, you'll incorporate valuable feedback to refine your design. Ultimately, your garden will not only provide fresh produce but also serve as an educational tool, empowering students to understand and engage with sustainable practices.

Launch

Kick off your project with an engaging video that highlights the importance of sustainability and gardening in communities. This video will serve as an inspiring introduction, showcasing real-life examples of sustainable gardens and their impact on local communities. Feature insights from your community partners, Olivewood Gardens and Grandpa, to provide expert perspectives. This launch will set the stage for your project by sparking curiosity and motivating you to explore how gardening can promote sustainability in your own community.

Exhibition

At the end of your project, host an exhibition at your school where you can showcase the sustainable garden you designed. Invite fellow students, teachers, and community partners like Olivewood Gardens and Grandpa to attend. Use this opportunity to present your gardening journey, share insights on sustainability, and demonstrate how the garden can benefit the school community. Consider creating an interactive display or guided tour of the garden to engage your audience and inspire others to consider sustainability in their own lives.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Watch the introductory video on sustainability and community gardening to understand the importance and impact of sustainable gardens.	Activity 2: Conduct initial research on sustainable gardening techniques and compile a list of key practices.	Activity 3: Meet with community partners Olivewood Gardens and Grandpa to gather insights and expert perspectives on sustainable gardening.	Activity 4: Collaborate with team members to brainstorm and outline the initial design ideas for the sustainable garden.	Activity 5: Create a project plan outlining tasks, responsibilities, and timelines for the entire project duration.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A research summary report on sustainable gardening techniques and their benefits. 2. Deliverable 2: A documented meeting summary with insights and advice from Olivewood Gardens and Grandpa. 3. Deliverable 3: An initial draft of the sustainable garden design including a list of proposed features and resources needed. 4. Deliverable 4: A comprehensive project plan with task assignments and a timeline for the next five weeks.
Preparation

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Conduct a detailed site analysis of the proposed garden location to assess sunlight, soil quality, and water access.	Activity 2: Research and select appropriate plant species that are well-suited for the local climate and align with sustainability goals.	Activity 3: Develop a detailed layout plan for the garden, incorporating input from initial design ideas and site analysis.	Activity 4: Meet with Olivewood Gardens and Grandpa to review the proposed plant selection and garden layout, gathering feedback and suggestions.	Activity 5: Begin documenting the garden design process through a vlog, capturing insights and progress for future sharing.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A comprehensive site analysis report detailing the findings on sunlight, soil quality, and water access. 2. Deliverable 2: A list of selected plant species with justifications for their suitability and sustainability benefits. 3. Deliverable 3: A refined garden layout plan incorporating feedback from community partners. 4. Deliverable 4: The initial episode of the vlog, showcasing the design process and insights gained during the week.
Preparation

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Begin preparing the garden site for planting by clearing debris, marking out pathways, and setting up any necessary structures such as trellises or raised beds.	Activity 2: Acquire necessary gardening tools and materials, ensuring you have everything needed to commence planting.	Activity 3: Collaborate with team members to create a detailed planting schedule, taking into account the growth requirements and timeline for each selected plant species.	Activity 4: Conduct a workshop or session with Olivewood Gardens and Grandpa to learn practical planting techniques and sustainable gardening practices.	Activity 5: Continue documenting the garden design and preparation process through the vlog, capturing both challenges and successes.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A detailed site preparation report, including photographs and notes on the process and any adjustments made to the original plan. 2. Deliverable 2: A comprehensive inventory list of gardening tools and materials acquired, with justifications for their selection. 3. Deliverable 3: A finalized planting schedule that outlines the timeline for planting each species, with considerations for their growth needs. 4. Deliverable 4: The second episode of the vlog, highlighting the preparation and learning experiences from the week.
Preparation

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Commence the planting process by following the finalized planting schedule, ensuring each plant is positioned according to the garden layout plan.	Activity 2: Implement irrigation and water management systems to ensure efficient and sustainable water usage for the garden.	Activity 3: Establish a composting system in the garden to recycle organic waste and create nutrient-rich soil.	Activity 4: Monitor plant health and growth, documenting any issues or adjustments made to the care plan.	Activity 5: Continue documenting the planting and system setup process through the vlog, focusing on the integration of sustainable practices.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A report on the planting process, including photographs, notes on plant placement, and any deviations from the original plan. 2. Deliverable 2: A detailed description of the implemented irrigation and composting systems, highlighting their sustainability benefits. 3. Deliverable 3: An updated plant health and growth log, noting any challenges encountered and solutions applied. 4. Deliverable 4: The third episode of the vlog, showcasing the planting phase and the incorporation of sustainable systems.
Preparation

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Finalize any remaining plant care tasks, ensuring all plants are healthy and the garden is fully functional.	Activity 2: Prepare for the exhibition by organizing and creating presentations or displays that effectively communicate the project's journey and outcomes.	Activity 3: Conduct a rehearsal of the exhibition presentation to ensure clear communication and smooth delivery during the actual event.	Activity 4: Collaborate with team members to develop interactive elements for the exhibition, such as guided garden tours or hands-on demonstrations of sustainable practices.	Activity 5: Continue documenting the final stages of the project through the vlog, capturing the preparation and execution of the exhibition.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A final plant care report, detailing the overall health and maintenance plan for the garden. 2. Deliverable 2: A complete exhibition plan, including presentation materials, display layouts, and interactive elements. 3. Deliverable 3: A rehearsal feedback summary, highlighting areas for improvement and key strengths in the exhibition presentation. 4. Deliverable 4: The final episode of the vlog, showcasing the completion of the project and the exhibition event.
Preparation