Lesson 1: Taking Root
In this lesson, students will explore different types of roots. Students will harvest and examine tap roots, fibrous roots and root hairs, discuss their various structures and functions and sample tap roots in the garden!
2-LS2-3(MA). Develop and use models to compare how plants and animals
depend on their surroundings and other living things to meet their needs in the places they live.
2-LS4-1. Use texts, media, or local environments to observe and compare (a) different kinds of living things in an area, and (b) differences in the kinds of living things living in different types of areas.
Lesson 2: Erosion Observation
In this lesson, students will investigate three different containers of soil: one seeded to cover crop, one covered in straw mulch, and one left bare. Students will make predictions about which container will hold onto soil and prevent erosion best when water is poured through the container. Students will make sense of their findings by noting which method they think is most effective in preventing erosion.
2-ESS2-1. Investigate and compare the effectiveness of multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.*
2-ESS2-4(MA). Observe how blowing wind and flowing water can move Earth materials from one place to another and change the shape of a landform.
2.K-2-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same design problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each object performs.*
Lesson 3: Soil PSAs
Students will discuss the importance of soil and explore the question: why do we need soil to survive? Students will begin the process of creating songs, poems, PSAs, raps, drawings, or other creative displays to convey a message about the importance of soil. These creations will be compiled and displayed in the Brookfield Farm Farm Shop upon completion.
2-LS2-3(MA). Develop and use models to compare how plants and animals depend on their surroundings and other living things to meet their needs in the places they live.
Grade 2: Wholes and PArts: In grade 2, students start to look beyond the structures of individual plants and animals to looking at the environment in which the plants and animals live as a provider of the food, water, and shelter that the organisms need.
Lesson 4: Uprooted
In this lesson, students will work in the school gardens to turn in the fall cover crop to make space for spring plants. Students will observe fibrous root systems, instances of erosion, and discuss the importance of cover cropping as a tool to build soil health by adding valuable nutrients and minimizing erosion.
2-LS2-3(MA). Develop and use models to compare how plants and animals
depend on their surroundings and other living things to meet their needs in the places they live.
2-ESS2-1. Investigate and compare the effectiveness of multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.*
2-ESS2-4(MA). Observe how blowing wind and flowing water can move Earth materials from one place to another and change the shape of a landform.
2-LS4-1. Use texts, media, or local environments to observe and compare (a) different kinds of living things in an area, and (b) differences in the kinds of living things living in different types of areas.