Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Sources
Emery, P. (1993, July) What Do Plants Need To Grow. California Foundation for Agriculture
in the Classroom: Sacramento, CA. Retrieved from: http://www.cfaitc.org/LessonPlans/
pdf/401.pdf
Krasny, M. (2005, June). Garden Mosaics Program Manual. Cornell University: Ithaca, NY.
Pounders, S. (2010). Gardening Adventures: Exploring Plants with Young Children. National
Gardening Association: South Burlington, VT.
Pranis, E., & Cohen, J. (2002). GrowLab: Activities for Growing Minds. National Gardening
Association: South Burlington, VT.
Table of Contents
Using this Manual. 5
Background... 6
Need vs. Want.. 7
Were Missing Something 8
Gardener Interview
10
Additional Activities 11
Gardening Connection
These lesson plans can be used after planting your microfarm, container garden, cold frame or
outdoor garden. While students wait to see the first fruits and vegetables sprout from the
garden, use these lessons to help students understand what their plants need to grow. Students
can record their observations and journal about the progress of their plants.
Feedback
Upon completing these lesson plans, we would love your feedback. Please send comments,
questions and suggestions to Bill Wright at (920) 391-4658 or Wright_WP@co.brown.wi.us
Background
In order to live and grow, plants need four basic elements: air, water, nutrients, and sunlight.
Air
During the process of photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide to make food and release
oxygen, as a result.
Water
Roots carry water and nutrients to the plant. Water is also used during the process of
photosynthesis by helping to release energy from stored food in the plant. Water pressure also
helps to promote the growth of stems and leaves.
Nutrients
Plants derive most nutrients from the soil. Nutrients can also come from fertilizers. Nutrients
help plants grow and function properly and act similar to vitamins for humans.
Sunlight
During photosynthesis, plants take energy from sunlight to produce sugars or food.
5. Observe the plants and their growth over the next few days. Dont forget to water all of
the plants, except for the one that is being deprived of water.
6. Have students record their predictions and their observations on the Were Missing
Something Log.
7. Conclude with a discussion of the best growing conditions for the plant, emphasizing
that a plant will grow best when all four elements are present.
Alternative
Instead of purchasing five small plants, you can also plant seeds, such as lima beans, in clear
plastic cups or containers, such as the bottom of a water bottle. Students can observe the root
growth of the beans if they are planted near the edge.
Gardening Connection
Once students understand the basic elements that plants need to grow, discuss the ideal location
for your school garden. Have students read seed packets to see the suggested growing
conditions for each plant. Have them map out the best way to plant the garden.
Gardener Interview
Overview
Students will interview a local gardener to learn gardening tips and suggestions while
reinforcing what plants need to grow. Students will recognize that their school garden is one of
many gardens in the community.
Materials
Local gardener to be interviewed
Pens/Pencils
Paper
Preparation
1. Contact a local gardener and invite him/her to come to your class. Consider contacting a
parent, community member or local master gardener volunteer. Make sure that whoever
you contact is comfortable speaking in front of the class.
2. Discuss interviewing techniques with your students. Make sure they understand how to
ask good questions and use good listening skills. If necessary, break students into pairs
to practice interviewing and listening. Have them interview each other and present what
they heard.
3. Brainstorm interview questions to ask the gardener. Examples:
When did you begin gardening?
What types of fruits/vegetables do you plant?
How do you use the plants?
What tips/suggestions do you have for our garden?
4. Have students write down the questions they will ask the gardener.
5. Confirm the date/time of the interview with the gardener.
Activity
1. On the day of the interview, introduce the guest to the class.
2. Either ask the gardener to describe their gardening experience or have students begin
asking questions.
3. If you already have a school garden, show it to your guest.
4. Thank the gardener for coming to the class.
5. After the interview, discuss with the class what they learned.
6. Have students either write a story about the interview or draw a picture.
7. Send a thank you note to the gardener.
10
Additional Activities
Garden Explorers
Explore the elements in soil. Have students gather samples of soil from various locations
(examples: their homes, the playground, the garden, etc). Give each student a magnifying glass
and have them investigate their samples. They may find silt, clay, sand, insects, or decaying
plants.
Chant
To reinforce what students have learned, have the class chant Sun, Soil, Water and Air.
Everything we eat, everything we wear. Start slowly and gradually pick up the tempo. Finish
by slowing down and lowering voices to a whisper.
11
Cultivating Gardens
for
Improved Health
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