Growing Together: Seeds, Animals, and Community!

2nd Grade

Project
5 weeks

Growing Together: Seeds, Animals, and Community!

Ben Williams

Purpose

This project aims to engage 2nd-grade students in understanding the interconnectedness of nature and community through the lens of seed dispersal and environmental stewardship. By developing a model of how animals disperse seeds, students will explore the vital role animals play in plant reproduction and ecosystem health. The project encourages students to apply this knowledge to real-world challenges by creating a community garden, fostering a sense of responsibility and active citizenship. Through collaboration with local partners like the food bank and school district, students will learn the importance of community resources and the impact of collective efforts in addressing local needs. This hands-on project not only enhances students' understanding of science, geography, and economics but also instills the values of community involvement and environmental care.

Learning goals

In this project, students will explore the interconnectedness of nature and community through the lens of seed dispersal. They will learn how animals contribute to the dispersal of seeds and how this process can be leveraged to address environmental challenges within their community. By engaging in hands-on activities, such as creating models of seed dispersal and developing a community garden, students will gain a deeper understanding of ecological relationships and the importance of biodiversity. Students will also develop map-reading skills to understand geographical features and their relevance to plant growth and seed dispersal. They will investigate the needs of plants, such as water and sunlight, and how these factors influence plant growth. Through this investigation, students will learn to make predictions and analyze data, fostering scientific inquiry skills. Additionally, the project will emphasize civic engagement by encouraging students to identify community issues and explore how active citizenship and laws can lead to positive changes. Students will learn about the role of citizens in improving their community, the importance of laws and individual rights, and how community gardens can support local food banks. Throughout the project, students will reflect on their learning, engage in team meetings for critique and revision, and participate in an exhibition to share their work with the school community. This project will not only enhance students' understanding of science and social studies concepts but also empower them to become informed and active members of their community.

Standards

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) - 2-LS2-2: Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.D.10: Draw a picture graph and a bar graph (with single-unit scale) to represent a data set with up to four categories. Solve simple put-together, take-apart, and compare problems using information presented in a bar graph.

Products

In this project, students will create a community garden that serves as a living model of how animals disperse seeds and the essential role this process plays in plant growth and environmental sustainability. Students will design and construct the garden, selecting plants that rely on various seed dispersal methods, such as wind, water, and animals. They will also develop educational materials to explain the connection between seed dispersal and environmental challenges, highlighting how this understanding can contribute to solving community issues. Additionally, students will organize an event to gather resources and distribute them to a local food bank, demonstrating the practical application of their learning and fostering a sense of active citizenship. Throughout the project, students will engage in reflection and revision, ensuring their work aligns with the essential question and community needs. The culmination of the project will be an exhibition where students present their garden and share their insights with the school community, showcasing their understanding of seed dispersal, map knowledge, and the role of citizens in improving their community.

Launch

To launch the project, take the students on a nature walk around the school or a nearby park. During the walk, have them observe and collect different types of seeds and note any animals they see interacting with plants. Encourage students to think about how these animals might help in seed dispersal. Back in the classroom, facilitate a discussion on the observations made during the walk. Ask students to brainstorm ways seed dispersal could address environmental challenges in their community. This will help set the stage for the essential question and connect their observations to the broader goals of creating a community garden and supporting the local food bank.

Exhibition

At the end of the project, students will participate in a community event to exhibit their learning and contributions. The exhibition will be held at the school, inviting all of the 2nd grade, their families, and the wider school community. Students will present the community garden they have developed, showcasing how they have applied their knowledge of seed dispersal and the role of animals in the process. They will explain the connection between the garden and local environmental challenges, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices. Additionally, students will organize a resource collection event, where they will gather food and other resources to donate to the local food bank. This exhibition will not only highlight students' understanding of the core content but also demonstrate their ability to apply this knowledge to solve real-world problems and actively contribute to their community.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Nature Walk - Take students on a nature walk around the school or a nearby park to observe and collect different types of seeds and note any animals they see interacting with plants. Discuss their observations and how animals might help in seed dispersal.	Activity 2: Seed Observation and Classification - In the classroom, have students examine the collected seeds. Guide them to classify seeds based on their appearance and hypothesize how they might be dispersed (e.g., wind, water, animals).	Activity 3: Class Discussion - Facilitate a discussion on the importance of seed dispersal and its role in the ecosystem. Introduce the concept of a community garden and how it can address environmental challenges.	Activity 4: Brainstorming Session - Have students brainstorm ideas for the community garden, focusing on plants that rely on various seed dispersal methods. Discuss how these plants can be beneficial for the garden.	Activity 5: Introduction to Map Reading - Introduce basic map-reading skills, focusing on geographical features relevant to plant growth (e.g., sunlight, water access). Engage students in a simple map activity related to their school or community area.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A collection and classification chart of seeds gathered during the nature walk. 2. Deliverable 2: A list of potential plants for the community garden, categorized by their seed dispersal method. 3. Deliverable 3: A simple map highlighting areas around the school or community that could support plant growth in the garden.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Plan and organize a safe and informative nature walk, ensuring necessary permissions and safety measures are in place. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Gather materials for seed observation and classification, such as magnifying glasses, classification charts, and storage containers for seeds. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Prepare introductory materials on map reading, including maps, compasses, and examples of geographical features related to plant growth. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Develop a discussion guide to facilitate conversations about seed dispersal, community gardens, and environmental challenges.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Seed Dispersal Model - Have students work in small groups to create models that mimic the function of an animal in dispersing seeds. Provide materials such as clay, paper, and natural materials to construct their models.	Activity 2: Research and Presentation - Assign each group a specific animal to research on how it contributes to seed dispersal. Students will create a short presentation to share their findings with the class.	Activity 3: Garden Planning - Begin planning the layout of the community garden. Students will use the map created in Week 1 to decide on locations for different plants based on their seed dispersal methods and environmental needs.	Activity 4: Introduction to Plant Needs - Discuss with students the essential needs of plants such as water, sunlight, and soil. Conduct a simple experiment to show how these factors affect plant growth.	Activity 5: Community Engagement - Invite a local gardener or community member involved in environmental initiatives to speak to the class about the importance of community gardens and environmental stewardship.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A model demonstrating how a specific animal disperses seeds. 2. Deliverable 2: A group presentation on the seed dispersal methods of an assigned animal. 3. Deliverable 3: A preliminary layout plan for the community garden.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Gather materials for model creation, such as clay, paper, and any other required supplies. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Provide resources for student research on animal seed dispersal, including books, articles, and access to online resources. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Arrange for a local gardener or community member to speak to the class and coordinate the logistics for their visit. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Prepare materials for the plant needs experiment, such as seeds, soil, watering cans, and light sources. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Develop guidelines and templates for students to create their group presentations and garden layout plans.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Seed Dispersal Experiment - Conduct an experiment to observe seed dispersal methods. Students will use different seeds and simulate wind and water dispersal in a controlled environment to understand how these forces aid in seed movement.	Activity 2: Data Collection and Analysis - Guide students in collecting data from the seed dispersal experiment. They will record their observations, measure distances of seed travel, and analyze the effectiveness of each dispersal method.	Activity 3: Graphing Results - Teach students how to create picture graphs and bar graphs to represent data from their experiments. They will work in groups to create visual representations of their findings.	Activity 4: Garden Design Finalization - Finalize the design of the community garden based on insights from the experiments and previous planning sessions. Students will make adjustments to plant placements and ensure the garden layout supports seed dispersal and plant needs.	Activity 5: Community Outreach Planning - Begin planning a community outreach event to involve families and local partners in the garden project. Students will brainstorm ideas for the event, such as workshops or presentations, and draft invitations for community members.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A report summarizing the findings from the seed dispersal experiment, including data analysis and graphs. 2. Deliverable 2: A finalized design plan for the community garden, incorporating changes based on experimental insights. 3. Deliverable 3: Draft invitations and an outline for the community outreach event.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Set up materials for the seed dispersal experiment, including various types of seeds, fans, water trays, and measuring tools. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Develop data sheets and templates for students to record their observations and findings during the experiment. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Prepare instructional materials on creating graphs, including examples and graph paper or software for students to use. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Review and provide feedback on students' preliminary garden designs to guide final adjustments. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Coordinate with local partners and families for the upcoming community outreach event, ensuring logistics and communication plans are in place.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Garden Construction - Begin the physical construction of the community garden. Students will work in teams to prepare the soil, plant seeds, and arrange plants according to the finalized garden design.	Activity 2: Educational Material Development - Students will create educational materials (e.g., posters, pamphlets) to explain the connection between seed dispersal, plant growth, and environmental sustainability. These materials will be used for the upcoming exhibition and community outreach event.	Activity 3: Reflection and Revision - Hold a reflection session where students review their work on the garden and educational materials. They will discuss what went well, what challenges they faced, and make necessary revisions.	Activity 4: Guest Speaker Session - Invite a local environmentalist or botanist to speak with the students about the importance of biodiversity and the role of community gardens in supporting local ecosystems.	Activity 5: Preparation for Exhibition - Start preparing for the end-of-project exhibition. Students will plan their presentations, rehearse speaking parts, and set up displays of their work, including the garden and educational materials.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A fully constructed section of the community garden with appropriately placed plants. 2. Deliverable 2: Completed educational materials ready for the exhibition and community outreach event. 3. Deliverable 3: A reflection journal entry summarizing individual and group learning experiences and insights.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Organize and acquire necessary gardening tools and supplies, such as soil, seeds, and planting equipment. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Provide materials and templates for students to create educational posters and pamphlets. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Arrange for a guest speaker and coordinate the logistics of their visit, including any necessary technology for presentations. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Prepare reflection prompts and guides to facilitate student discussions on their learning and project challenges. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Assist students in planning and rehearsing their presentations for the exhibition, offering feedback and support.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Final Garden Touch-ups - Students will perform any necessary final touch-ups to the community garden, ensuring all plants are properly placed and maintained. They will check for any last-minute adjustments needed for plant health and aesthetics.	Activity 2: Exhibition Rehearsal - Conduct a full rehearsal for the exhibition. Students will practice their presentations and set up their displays. They will rehearse speaking parts and ensure that all educational materials are ready for presentation.	Activity 3: Community Outreach Event - Host the community outreach event with families and local partners. Students will present their work, explain the garden's design and purpose, and distribute educational materials. They will also participate in interactive sessions, such as guided tours of the garden.	Activity 4: Resource Collection Drive - Organize and manage the resource collection drive as part of the outreach event. Students will help collect food and other resources to be donated to the local food bank, demonstrating the project's civic engagement aspect.	Activity 5: Reflection and Celebration - Facilitate a reflection session where students discuss the successes and challenges of the project. Celebrate the completion of the project with a small class event, recognizing each student's contributions and learning.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A completed and fully functional community garden ready for exhibition. 2. Deliverable 2: Successful execution of the community outreach event with presentations and resource collection. 3. Deliverable 3: A final reflection journal entry capturing individual and group learning outcomes and experiences.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Ensure all gardening tools and supplies are available for final touch-ups. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Coordinate logistics for the exhibition, including space setup, technology needs, and guest invitations. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Prepare materials and instructions for the resource collection drive, including signage and collection bins. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Develop a reflection guide to facilitate student discussions on project outcomes and personal growth. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Organize a small celebration event to recognize student efforts and achievements, including certificates or tokens of appreciation.