core conneXions
[6]
Community Garden Project
Students will embark on a journey through nature in order to discover how nature itself can be used to make an effective difference on the students self, and the community in which they are surrounded by. Through all core classes, students will discover what it takes to make a community garden, and to do so effectively.
Math in the Garden
Building a garden takes far more than just a couple of planks of wood and a box of nails. In this project, students utilize their understanding of measurements and dimensions in order to create, plan, and build their garden. Students will plot out their plans by using bamboo planks to outline their ideas, create scaled designs (drawings and models) in order to determine the setup, build the final beds [all CCSS.Math.Content.6.GA}, and determining how much soil belongs in each bed [CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.C.5.C].
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At the beginning of this unit each year, students begin by creating a scale model in small groups of the community garden as it currently is. Using scientific reasoning and logical justification, students develop proposals on how to add to the garden, or re-design it to make it more conducive to what is desired. In the end, each class votes on the best design, once presented; the five final designs go up for an all-grade vote to determine what will be done to the garden for that school year. [All CCSS.Math.Content.6.GA}, and [CCSS.Math.Content.5.MD.C.5.C].
Science in the Garden
Building a garden takes more than just tossing a bit of dirt in and throwing the flower pots around. In this project, students develop an understanding of the types of soil that make up our specific region of NC comparing it to other areas of NC and the US [NCES 6.E.2.4]. In turn, students then determine what type of soil is best used for their garden beds based on the type(s) of plants they will grow. Students work in partnership together to plant multiple plant-lifes into the garden, understanding which plants will grow best together, and which do not [NCES 6.L.1.].
Social Studies in the Garden
Building a garden can be all in good fun; building a COMMUNITY garden is meant for more than just fun. Students will develop an understanding of the purpose and intent of community gardens in their area, as well as around the world, researching different gardens and community gardens, their outlines and structures. Students will also work in conjunction with together to utilize the garden in solving real-community problems that are immediate needs [NCES.6.E.1.2]
Language Arts in the Garden
In order to build a garden, you're going to need supplies. Part of the purpose of the community garden is to incorporate the community into the project. Through writing, students will learn all about "making the big ask" and writing sponsorship letters (expository writing) [CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1.C] using appropriate language and unbiased statements. Further, they will also learn about the importance of being clear and concise with limited spacing, to make their points [CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2].
