How does your garden grow? An inquiry-based, organic gardening unit asks young scientists to research a vegetable or flower, create an environment for it, and then plant and tend to the seedling. Gardeners develop their own research questions and keep observation notes in a project binder. Growers also create a sign that identifies their plant and teaches classmates what they have learned.

Concepts

organic farming, gardening, critical thinking, literacy skills, plants, scientific research, plant growth

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Work with the school librarian to gather books and encyclopedias for the research project
• Check with a local nursery to see if they will donate some of the needed materials (compost, organic potting soil, etc.)
• Have class members help with building the garden
• Invite a locate organic farmer to oversee the construction of the garden and to speak with the class about organic gardening
• Have one group investigate and report on gardening techniques without pesticides like those used at Arcosanti

Classroom Considerations

• Requires materials not usually found in the classroom; set aside extra prep time to gather materials
• A copy, one per participant, of the seven-page "Organic Gardening Research Project" handout is also required
• The unit is divided into nine sessions

Pros

• The lesson is especially appropriate for kinesthetic learners
• Includes suggestions for research questions

Cons

• None

Common Core

CCRA.R.1 CCRA.R.2 CCRA.R.3 CCRA.R.4 CCRA.W.2 CCRA.W.4 CCRA.W.5 CCRA.W.7 CCRA.W.8 CCRA.W.10 CCRA.L.6