Lesson 1: Plant Detectives
Students explore the question: What is a plant? Students identify the three main plant parts (roots, stems and leaves), distinguish between plants, plant parts and non-plants, and go on a scavenger hunt around the garden to discover various plant parts.
K-LS1-2(MA). Recognize that all plants grow and change over time.
Lesson 2: Soil Detectives
Students will explore the questions: What is soil / what is soil made of? Students will generate a list of ideas of what they think they will find in soil and then collect soil samples from around the playground and garden. Students will investigate their soil samples, make a list of all the various things they discovered in soil, and then explore the question: how is soil made? Where does it come from? (Introduction to decomposition)
K-ESS2-2. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals
(including humans) can change the environment. (cows graze / eat living plants, add
nutrients to the soil, plants decompose into soil, humans harvest plants and animals)
K-ESS3-3. Communicate solutions to reduce the amount of natural resources an
individual uses. (Composting)
Brookfield Farm Field Trip
Students will tour the farm, harvest carrots, and visit the cows, pigs and the compost area in an investigation of how nutrients cycle between plants, humans, and other animals.
K-LS1-2(MA). Recognize that all plants grow and change over time. (Decomposition)
K-ESS3-3. Communicate solutions to reduce the amount of natural resources an
individual uses. (Composting)
K-ESS2-2. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment. (Role of animals, plants and human
in composting / decomposition)
Lesson 3: The Rotten Truth
In this lesson, students will observe and make predictions about the process of decomposition and discuss the ways in which animals can help things to decompose. We read "Carl and the Meaning of Life," by Deborah Friedman.
K-LS1-2(MA). Recognize that all plants grow and change over time. (Decomposition)
K-ESS3-3. Communicate solutions to reduce the amount of natural resources an
individual uses. (Composting)
K-ESS2-2. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment. (Role of animals, plants and human
in composting / decomposition)
Lesson 4: Fabulous Five
Students will problem solve by finding clues placed around the garden leading them to the 5 primary things that plants need to grow and thrive (water, soil, sun, air, and space). Students will conclude their scavenger hunt by locating a place in the garden with access to all 5 necessities and plant seeds.
K-LS1-1. Observe and communicate that animals (including humans) and plants needs
food, water, and air to survive. Animals gets food from plants or other animals. Plants
make their own food and need light to live and grow.
K-LS1-2(MA). Recognize that all plants grow and change over time.
K-PS3-1. Make Observations to determine that sunlight warms materials on Earth’s
surface (soil, plants)
Lesson 5: Snack Tour of the Garden
Students will explore the question: what is growing in our school garden? Students will use their five senses to explore a variety of garden produce and make observations about plant and animal life in the garden.
K-LS1-1. Observe and communicate that animals (including humans) and plants needs
food, water, and air to survive. Animals gets food from plants or other animals. Plants
make their own food and need light to live and grow.
K-LS1-2(MA). Recognize that all plants grow and change over time.