Project Steps and Ideas

As part of our Seedfolks unit, you will be completing a project which improves your environment in some way using your research on the benefits of interacting with the natural world, similar to the characters in Seedfolks. 

We will be following the basic steps of project based learning (PBL), which includes...

• DRIVING QUESTIONS - How can we improve our school's natural environment using eco friendly methods?  How can we educate others on the importance of nature and improving our environment?

• FINAL PROJECT REQUIREMENTS - Research and implement an idea which improves your home or school natural environment. You will create a Google Slide presentation which demonstrates how your project improves the natural environment in an eco friendly way and include the action steps and photos.

LAUNCH - Step 1 of PBL - Getting background information, data, and a clear understanding of the problems and opportunities before formulating your idea.

• • Gather data - We will take a deep dive into the research around the many mental and physical benefits of nature and how we can find ways to interact with the natural world daily using our RESOURCES page. 

  • Observe and take notes. What areas could use more eco friendly additions to the natural environment? As you survey the space, pay attention to areas which seem barren or lack healthy plant life.  

  • Decide what role you want to play - landscaper, planter, educator/signage.

  • Create a list of "need to knows" - what do you need to know to implement your project?

BUILD KNOWLEDGE - STEP 2 of PBL

• • • Research your project idea using credible sources. A summary of your findings and a work cited page will be required as a slide in your presentation. Questions to consider as you research...

      • Is my project eco friendly? You will be asked to describe how as part of your project presentation.

      • If you chose to do signage to educate the public, how if your sign helpful? What does the reader learn about the environment (ex - the role of pollinator plants)

      • Do I have the materials necessary to implement my project, or do I have to borrow or ask for assistance?

      • Is my project sustainable or will it only last a short time? Your goal is to have these projects last.

    • This website has a RESOURCES page with over 20 links about various topics from the benefits of nature to how to use native plants to create an eco friendly pollinator garden. You may also use your own research from credible sources.

    • Need to Knows - write a list of questions that you still need answers to. Research each one and then cross them off your list.

DEVELOP AND CRITIQUE - STEP 3 OF PBL

• Now that you have a project in mind, it's time to create a plan and present it to me your classmates. Your presentation should include the following...

  1. TITLE SLIDE WITH GROUP MEMBERS/INDIVIDUAL NAME

  2. PROJECT IDEA SLIDE COMPLETE WITH VISUALS

  3. RESEARCH SLIDE(s) EXPLAINING HOW IT IS ECO FRIENDLY AND HOW IT PROMOTES/ENCOURAGES INTERACTION WITH NATURE OR EDUCATES THE PUBLIC

  4. MATERIALS SLIDE (list of resources and/or materials you need to complete your project)

  5. FEEDBACK you implemented during your project work

  6. WORKS CITED SLIDE FROM YOUR RESEARCH

• • Your project grade will be based on the quality of your final product and your final presentation.  There will be a slide deck and a rubric posted in the Google Classroom to help you. Here is a model presentation.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION - STEP 4 OF PBL

This is where you get to use the research and materials to implement your project and contribute to the GMS community; thanks for helping our community create and sustain an ecosystem where pollinators can flourish!

You will include pictures of your project implementation, as well as before and after slides, in your presentation (I will provide photos on this website).