Botanical Bliss: Growing, Cooking, and Healing Together

2nd Grade

Project
8 weeks

Botanical Bliss: Growing, Cooking, and Healing Together

Angela Duerr

Purpose

This project invites second-grade students to explore the healing power of plants through hands-on gardening, storytelling, and cultural learning experiences. Over eight weeks, students will cultivate medicinal plants, create herbal remedies, and learn from community partners about traditional healing practices. The project culminates in a Plant Healing Fair, where students present their discoveries and share plant-based recipes with their community, fostering a deeper understanding of how plants contribute to our well-being.

Learning goals

Students will investigate how plants and food contribute to healing and wellness, exploring the cultural significance and medicinal properties of various plants. They will develop skills in growing and caring for plants, understanding their life cycles and functions. Through storytelling and creative expression, students will articulate their knowledge of plant-based healing, culminating in collaborative projects like a storybook and a recipe book. By engaging with community partners, they will gain insights into traditional and contemporary uses of plants for health, fostering an appreciation for diverse healing practices.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.7: Participate in shared research and writing projects, such as reading a number of books on a single topic to produce a report.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.4: Tell a story or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking audibly in coherent sentences.
NGSS - 2-LS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow.

Products

Students will create a 'Plant Healing Recipe Book' featuring simple recipes that use medicinal plants, allowing them to share their knowledge of plant-based healing through cooking. They will also design and assemble a 'Healing Herb Garden Kit,' complete with seeds, soil, and instructions, to encourage growing medicinal herbs at home. Additionally, students will prepare a variety of soups and salves using the plants they have cultivated, showcasing their understanding of plant-based healing in practical, everyday applications.

Launch

Begin with a 'Story Seeds Workshop' where students plant seeds of medicinal herbs while engaging in storytelling about their traditional uses. This hands-on activity connects the act of planting with cultural narratives, sparking curiosity and setting the stage for the project. As students plant, they can express their initial thoughts and questions about plant-based healing, paving the way for further exploration and learning.

Exhibition

Organize a vibrant 'Plant Healing Fair' where students showcase their knowledge through interactive displays, engaging classmates and family members in learning about medicinal plants. Host a 'Taste and Tell' event where students serve dishes made from the plants they grew, explaining the healing properties of each ingredient to guests. Conclude with a community dinner featuring food prepared from the garden, allowing students to share their culinary creations and insights on plant-based healing.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Introduce the project and essential questions during a 'Story Seeds Workshop'. Students will plant seeds of medicinal herbs while listening to stories about the traditional uses of these plants.	Have a discussion circle where students share their initial thoughts and questions about plant-based healing, documenting their ideas on a class brainstorming chart.	Conduct a guided nature walk around the schoolyard to identify local plants, using simple field guides or visual aids. Encourage students to observe and draw plants they find interesting.	Read a storybook about plant-based healing from a different culture and discuss the story's themes and the specific plants mentioned.	Create a 'Plant Detective Notebook' where students start documenting their observations, drawings, and facts learned about plants during the week.
Deliverables	1. Students will complete and submit a page in their 'Plant Detective Notebook' with drawings and notes from the nature walk. 2. Collect initial thoughts and questions about plant healing from the discussion circle to create a class chart that will be revisited throughout the project.
Preparation	1. Gather seeds, soil, and small pots for the 'Story Seeds Workshop'. 2. Prepare a selection of age-appropriate storybooks that explore plant-based healing in different cultures. 3. Create simple field guides or visual aids with pictures and names of local plants for the guided nature walk. 4. Organize materials for the 'Plant Detective Notebook', such as drawing paper, pencils, and clipboards. 5. Set up a comfortable space for the discussion circle with a chart paper and markers to record students' thoughts and questions.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Begin the week with a 'Plant Parts Exploration' activity where students learn about the basic parts of a plant and their functions through hands-on dissection of simple plants (e.g., bean plants).	Conduct a 'Plant Healing Storytime' session where students listen to stories focusing on specific plants and their healing properties, followed by a discussion on what makes these plants special.	Facilitate a 'Herb Identification Challenge' where students use their 'Plant Detective Notebooks' to identify herbs based on their characteristics, utilizing a sensory approach (sight, smell, touch).	Host a 'Seed Planting Workshop' where students plant different medicinal herbs in the classroom, labeling each with their names and potential healing attributes.	Encourage students to document their observations and findings from the week's activities in their 'Plant Detective Notebooks', focusing on plant parts, functions, and initial growth stages.
Deliverables	1. Students will submit updated pages in their 'Plant Detective Notebook' with detailed drawings and notes on plant parts and their functions. 2. Completion of labeled herb pots with plant names and a short description of their healing properties, to be used in future activities.
Preparation	1. Prepare simple plants (e.g., bean plants) for dissection, ensuring each student has access to one. 2. Select and prepare storybooks or audio stories focusing on specific medicinal plants and their uses. 3. Gather a variety of safe, child-friendly herbs for the identification challenge and seed planting workshop. 4. Provide planting materials such as small pots, soil, seeds, and labels for the seed planting activity. 5. Ensure students have materials for their 'Plant Detective Notebooks', such as drawing paper, pencils, and colored pencils.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Introduce students to the concept of plant growth cycles through a 'Plant Life Cycle Exploration' activity, where students observe and document the growth stages of their planted herbs.	Conduct a 'Cultural Plant Healing Story Circle' where students listen to a community partner, such as an Indigenous elder, share stories about traditional plant-based healing practices.	Facilitate a 'Herbal Tea Tasting and Exploration' session, where students safely sample herbal teas made from plants they are studying. Encourage them to note the flavors and discuss possible health benefits.	Guide students in writing a short reflection in their 'Plant Detective Notebooks' about what they learned from the story circle and tea tasting experiences.
Deliverables	1. Students will update their 'Plant Detective Notebook' with observations of their herbs' growth stages, including drawings and descriptions. 2. Completion of a reflection page in their 'Plant Detective Notebook' summarizing insights gained from the story circle and herbal tea exploration.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with a community partner, such as an Indigenous elder, to schedule and prepare for the storytelling session. 2. Source a selection of safe, child-friendly herbal teas for the tasting session and prepare small samples for students. 3. Prepare visual aids or a simple chart representing the plant life cycle stages for the exploration activity. 4. Ensure all students have access to their 'Plant Detective Notebooks' and provide materials such as drawing paper and pencils for documenting observations.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Begin the week with a 'Herbal Remedy Creation' session where students create a simple salve using safe, child-friendly herbs they have been studying. Guide them through the process, emphasizing the healing properties of the ingredients.	Conduct a 'Plant-Based Healing Across Cultures' workshop where students learn about different cultural practices involving medicinal plants. Include a storytelling segment where students share their own family or cultural stories about using plants for healing.	Host a 'Collaborative Story Writing' session where students work in small groups to develop a section of their 'Plant Healing Storybook'. Encourage them to incorporate the plants and cultural practices they've learned about.	Facilitate a 'Plant Growth Observation and Journal' activity where students document the progress of their herbs, noting any changes and drawing updated illustrations in their 'Plant Detective Notebooks'.
Deliverables	1. Completion of a small jar of herbal salve for each student, labeled with the plant used and its healing property. 2. A draft section of the 'Plant Healing Storybook', developed collaboratively by student groups, focusing on a specific medicinal plant and its cultural significance. 3. Updated entries in the 'Plant Detective Notebook' with observations and drawings of the herbs' growth and development.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for the salve-making session, including beeswax, coconut oil, and dried herbs. Ensure safety measures and supervision during the activity. 2. Prepare resources for the cultural workshop, including stories, pictures, and videos that highlight diverse uses of medicinal plants. 3. Organize writing materials and provide story templates to guide students in their collaborative writing session. 4. Review students' previous notebook entries to provide individualized feedback and support during the observation activity.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Begin the week with a 'Herbal Remedy Workshop' where students learn to make a calming herbal tea blend using dried herbs they have studied. Guide them through the blending process, discussing the healing properties of each ingredient.	Conduct a 'Cultural Plant Healing Presentation' where students share a family or cultural story about using plants for healing. Encourage them to bring pictures or items related to the story to enhance their presentation.	Host a 'Storybook Illustration Session' where students create illustrations for their 'Plant Healing Storybook', focusing on the plants and cultural practices they've been learning about. Encourage creativity and detail in their artwork.	Facilitate a 'Growth Progress Sharing Circle' where students present updates on their herb plants to classmates, sharing observations and any changes noted in their 'Plant Detective Notebooks'.
Deliverables	1. Completion of a small sample of herbal tea blend, labeled with ingredients and their healing properties. 2. Illustrated pages for the 'Plant Healing Storybook', featuring detailed drawings related to their story sections. 3. Updated entries in the 'Plant Detective Notebook' with comprehensive observations and illustrations of herb growth.
Preparation	1. Gather dried herbs, small jars or bags, and labels for the herbal tea blending activity. Ensure all herbs are safe and child-friendly. 2. Provide art supplies such as colored pencils, markers, and paper for the storybook illustration session. 3. Prepare a presentation space for the cultural healing stories, ensuring students have access to any necessary technology or display materials. 4. Review students' notebook entries to offer constructive feedback and support during the growth progress sharing circle.

Week 6	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Start the week with a 'Plant-Based Healing Recipe Exploration' where students brainstorm and develop simple recipes using the medicinal plants they have studied and grown. Encourage them to think about how these plants can be used in everyday meals or remedies.	Conduct a 'Recipe Testing and Tasting' session where students prepare small samples of their recipes, focusing on safe, simple, and child-friendly preparations. Facilitate a discussion on the flavors and potential healing benefits of the ingredients used.	Organize a 'Recipe Book Compilation Workshop' where students work together to compile their recipes into a 'Plant Healing Recipe Book'. Guide them in writing clear instructions and descriptions, and add illustrations or photos of the plants and dishes.	Facilitate a 'Storybook Revision Session' where students review and refine their sections of the 'Plant Healing Storybook' based on feedback from peers and teachers. Encourage collaboration to enhance storytelling and visual elements.
Deliverables	1. Completion of a draft 'Plant Healing Recipe Book' with compiled recipes, descriptions, and illustrations. 2. Revised sections of the 'Plant Healing Storybook', incorporating peer and teacher feedback to improve clarity and engagement.
Preparation	1. Prepare a selection of simple, safe ingredients and cooking materials for the recipe testing session, ensuring all students can participate. 2. Organize materials for the recipe book compilation, including paper, writing tools, and access to a computer for typing and layout if necessary. 3. Provide feedback templates for students to use during the storybook revision session, encouraging constructive and supportive critiques. 4. Ensure all students have access to their previous work on the storybook and provide additional art supplies for illustrations if needed.

Week 7	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Begin with a 'Healing Herb Garden Kit Assembly' session where students assemble their kits with seeds, soil, and instructions for growing medicinal herbs at home. They will personalize the kits with drawings or messages about the healing properties of the plants.	Conduct a 'Plant Healing Fair Preparation' workshop where students set up interactive displays and rehearse presentations they will make at the fair. Encourage them to think about how to engage their audience with interesting facts and demonstrations.	Facilitate a 'Taste and Tell' rehearsal where students practice serving dishes made from the plants they grew, explaining the healing properties of each ingredient. Provide feedback to help them refine their presentations.	Organize a 'Class Mural Creation' session where students collaboratively paint a mural that depicts their journey and learning about plant healing. This visual reflection will serve as a backdrop for the Plant Healing Fair.
Deliverables	1. Completion of personalized 'Healing Herb Garden Kits' ready for distribution. 2. Prepared and practiced presentations for the Plant Healing Fair, including interactive displays and 'Taste and Tell' dishes. 3. A completed class mural reflecting the collective learning about plant healing.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for the Healing Herb Garden Kits, including seeds, small pots or bags for soil, and printed planting instructions. 2. Set up spaces for students to rehearse their fair presentations, ensuring any necessary technology or display boards are available. 3. Source feedback forms or rubrics to guide students in refining their presentations and 'Taste and Tell' activities. 4. Provide art supplies for the mural creation session, including paints, brushes, and large paper or canvas.

Week 8	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Conduct a final rehearsal for the 'Plant Healing Fair', where students practice their interactive displays and 'Taste and Tell' presentations with peers. Provide time for peer feedback and last-minute adjustments.	Host the 'Plant Healing Fair' where students present their findings and serve their dishes to classmates, family members, and community partners. Encourage students to engage their audience with stories and demonstrations.	Facilitate a 'Reflection Circle' where students share their experiences from the fair, discussing what they learned and enjoyed about the project. Encourage students to express how they will continue to use plants for healing in their daily lives.	Organize a 'Garden Kit Distribution' session where students distribute their 'Healing Herb Garden Kits' to guests, explaining how to use them and encouraging the cultivation of medicinal plants at home.
Deliverables	1. Completed interactive displays and 'Taste and Tell' presentations for the Plant Healing Fair. 2. Reflections from students in their 'Plant Detective Notebooks' summarizing their project experiences and personal learning. 3. Distributed 'Healing Herb Garden Kits' to fair attendees.
Preparation	1. Ensure all materials and display areas are set up for the Plant Healing Fair, including tables, presentation boards, and tasting stations. 2. Coordinate with family members and community partners to attend the fair, providing them with information on time and location. 3. Prepare reflection prompts to guide students in capturing their thoughts and experiences during the Reflection Circle. 4. Organize all 'Healing Herb Garden Kits' for distribution, ensuring each kit is complete and includes clear instructions.