Japanese Garden-Lake Balboa (Paul DeCunzo)

Reviewed by: Paul DeCunzo, Physical Science Educator.

Location: The Japanese Garden

6100 Woodley Ave,

Van Nuys, California, 91406

Tel 818 756 8166 * Fax 818-756-8166

Google Map Link

Description:

~ The Japanese Garden

Suiho En the garden of water and fragrance is a 6½ acre authentic Japanese garden fashioned after “stroll gardens” constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries for Japanese Feudal lords. The facility is unique in that it incorporates three classical designs: a dry karensansui, a wet garden with promenade chisen, and an authentic tea ceremony garden incorporating a 4.5 tatami mat tea room.For a review of our garden by the Journal of Japanese Gardening... Click here Audience: Children to Adult. Educational activities, 5th grade to Graduate School. (Are you smarter than a 5th grader?)

Hours/Cost: The garden is open to the public Sunday through Thursdays but always call ahead. The is a nominal entrance fee of $3 for adults and $2 for youth. Visitors are invited to explore and may follow various printed guides.

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What to bring: Clipboard for students to write activities on, paper to write with, graphite pencils, (colored pencils or another colored drawing tool to make color notations). Cameras and photography are allowed in the garden. STUDENTS SHOULD BRING A SACK LUNCH , there is no cafeteria on site but there are restrooms and water. We will break to eat in the Lake Balboa-Anthony C. Beilenson Park nearby.

What to Wear: This is an outdoor location. Students will be walking and standing a lot, so make sure they wear comfortable shoes. They should travel as light as possible. For example: Do the students really need to carry around a heavy backpack all day? Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses may be usefull.

Expectations: Students are expected to behave in an appropriate manner as representatives of the school. Control noise, chatter, etc. and be respectful of the work, surroundings, and other garden visitors. Also, it is mandatory that all visitors stay on paths at all times (especially when taking photos).

Science Concepts Addressed: The following science concepts can be addressed by a field trip The Japanese Gardens.

  • Chemistry is all around us.

  • What we see at the macroscopic level may always be explained at the microscopic level.

    • Gain a better understanding of what is happening at the "microscopic"/particle level. Power of Ten Video

Study Guide: Study Guide

  • Tasks: as you and your partner enter and stroll the garden, slow down to notice the physical world contained in this beautiful setting. The rocks, water, metals around you should be your focus for the activity. Garden Map

  • Observations: record your qualitative observations of what you see, hear, smell, etc. Be as descriptive as possible for each station/stop. Make sure to include colored drawings or photos when possible. You can imbed them in your document.

  • Magnified view: After recording your observations or taking pictures, consider what you can see with the naked-eye as close as possible (magnified) to the aterial observed. Draw a picture to represent this. (Hint: zoom in on your camera photo)

  • Microscopic view: then, try to imagine at the smallest particle level what is happening to match/explain your observations. Use words and pictures. This is worth 50% of your grade. Use whatever resources (text, wiki, etc.) to assist you.Particle Diagrams Examples

  • After Completing the assignment. Complete the following

    • .

Powers of Ten 646 Sp13

  • Bonus: Develop a presentation to share with the class or in class collaborate in small groups.

Additional Notes:

The water entering the garden is "reclaimed" from treated waste water. Reclaimed water is from the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant (Reclamation Poster) and is also used for the local Lake Balboa-Anthony C. Beilenson Park and golf courses. Excess water goes to the L.A. River.