Lesson Zip File The zip file contains all files necessary for this lesson. Enclosed is a Smart Notebook file, Microsoft Access file, Microsoft Word File, and Microsoft Excel File
Introduction: This lesson uses a database to query facts and make decisions. Students will develop a garden plan based on information provided by the database. The decisions that are made will depend on plant variables and environmental conditions at each garden location.
Grade or Age Level of Student(s): 4th-5th grade
Objectives: As a result of the activities in this lesson, students should be able to:
Identify types of plants that can be planted in the school vegetable garden and explain why each plant is a good choice
Create a garden plan for the vegetable garden
Identify why planning is essential when gardening
Identify additional online research
Arkansas Frameworks: Science: NS.1.4.9 Identify variables that affect investigations; NS.1.4.10 Identify patterns and trends in data; NS.1.4.11 Generate conclusions based on evidence; NS.1.4.12 Evaluate the quality and feasibility of an idea or project; NS.1.4.13 Use simple equipment, age appropriate tools, technology, and mathematics in scientific investigations using computers
Language Arts: OV.1.4.6 Communicate ideas and information with clarity; OV.1.4.11 Participate in a variety of speaking activities, including book reports
NETS for Students: 1. Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students will identify trends and forecast possibilities.
2. Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others. Students will communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats.
3. Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students will locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.
4. Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students will collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
Timeline This lesson will take place during three 40-minute class periods and one extended class time for presentations (10 minutes/student)
Materials Needed
Laptops for 1:1 Ratio equipped with Smart Notebook and Microsoft Access
Student Project Book
HWES Seed Database
Smart Notebook Garden Layout
Note cards
Grouping Strategies
Due to the nature of this lesson, each person will work individually in a 1:1 computer environment to make decisions based upon information gathered from the database. If one to one computer ratio is not available, students can work in groups of 2 to complete queries and garden design.
Learning Activities: Vocabulary: perennial, annual, full sun, partial sun, shade
Day 1: Scenarios Students will have access to the HWES seed (vegetable, fruit, herb and flower) database that has planting data for seeds available on the school campus. Using the database, students will sort and use the query wizard to locate information to answer scenario questions.
Pass out student laptops (1:1 ratio)
Students access HWES seed database on desktop while teacher projects database on screen.
Students perform Query search in design view to set criteria or use sort to answer scenario questions in student project book with teacher.
This query of data will help students make decisions on what to plant based on different planting conditions that may arise.
Day 2: Begin searching database for seeds to plant in the Vegetable Garden Pass out laptops to students (1:1 ratio) Have students to access HWES seed database. Using query search in design view and the sort feature, students will search for potential plants that may grow in the vegetable garden. Students will put the name of the plant on one side of a note card and why they chose that plant and how many plants they will cultivate on the back (this will help with presentation).
If students want to make plant decisions outside of what seeds are available at the school, they must identify the plant and the planting guidelines and enter it into the database using the forms that are available. Encourage students to use http://www.burpee.com to get information on other plants.
Day 3: Design gardens Pass out laptops to students (1:1 ratio). Students will access My Garden Design notebook file. Other software such as PowerPoint may be used, but they are responsible for re-creating the garden layout. Students will label planting boxes and provide the number of plants that will be cultivated. If students need to access the database again, they may. Students must use a variety of vegetables, flowers, herbs and fruits.
Day 4: Presentation of garden design Students will save their .notebook file and database to a jump drive. Teacher will display student garden designs while they explain their choices. Students have up to 10 minutes to discuss their garden design, which plants where chosen and tell specifically why they are being used.
Diversity: Students may complete this project in pairs, if 1:1 computer ratio is not available. Garden design can be completed using any medium. Options may include filling in a paper copy of the garden map or using shapes in programs such as PowerPoint or Microsoft Word.
Assessment: Student will be evaluated according to the lesson plan rubric. You can download it from the top of this page
*Special Thanks to Home Depot of Jonesboro for their generous donation of seeds to Health Wellness, and Environmental Studies Magnet. A small portion of that donation was used to create the HWES seed database.