Activity
Great Gardeners
Subject
Math, Science & Technology, Science (NYS P-12)
Grade Levels
Elementary, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade
Duration
1–2 weeks
Assessment
- Evaluation of window boxes is based on established rubric.
- Classroom participation is evaluated.
Description
Objectives:
- Students will identify conditions necessary for a seed to grow.
- Students will design and arrange garden/garden boxes.
- Students will gain understanding of careers related to plants.
Activity:
- Teacher explains to the class that they are going to be designing a garden or garden boxes for the school.
- Students visit a local garden center. Manager or other personnel talk with students about the work of a garden center and the various jobs there.
- Garden center personnel tell the students about soil selection, plant varieties, and care of plants. Students also learn about seeds and the growth cycle of plants. Students have hands-on experiences with plants and products at the garden center.
- Garden center personnel visit the classroom to talk about plant selection, garden designs, and growing conditions (i.e., water, soil, drainage, light, temperature, and nutrients).
- Students/teacher create rubrics for gardens/garden boxes.
- Students create school gardens or garden boxes, using what they have learned about plants and personal preferences for color to design their gardens.
- Students will predict what their boxes will look like in six to eight weeks, chart growth, and compare results.
- Window boxes will be displayed at the school.
Author
Sue Bleeker, Plattsburgh, NY
Materials/Resources
- Field trip resources
- Garden boxes
- Soil, plants, fertilizer
- Gardening tools
Comments/Modifications
If gardens are planted with seeds, the initial study of seeds and plants
will need to start earlier in order for the plants to grow to a
transplanting size.
Source
Bleeker, Sue. “Great Gardeners.” In Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Resource Guide with Core Curriculum. New York State Department of Education, 55.
