Third graders are piloting a new yearlong PBL on how heat transfer and soil properties affect plant growth. In semester one, they collected soil samples, ran solarization trials with different fabrics, recorded weekly soil temperatures, and submitted post‑solarization samples for analysis. In semester two, they will design an experiment and test different soil types in small garden pots, track plant growth to identify the most successful mixes, and—partnering with the UGA Extension Office—apply their findings to plant a larger bed to evaluate yield improvements. Results will be shared with other grade levels to increase garden productivity from year to year. 

In the fall semester, 3rd graders researched different soil types (clay, sand, fertilizer, and a control group) to determine which one is best for plant growth. They divided a garden bed into four sections for each soil type, planted parsley, and measured plant growth. In the spring semester, students will research the effects of heat on the garden beds to determine the best soil temperature for growing vegetables.