Our class has taken on the responsibility of caring for the plants in our garden. We will research the best plants to grow in our environment and which things grow the best in which seasons. We will discover what plants need to survive and then plan to cater for those needs. The plants will be protected from bugs such as snails, caterpillars and slaters. We will harvest the crops as they grow and mature. We will feed the soil with nutrients. As our gardens beds are set up with a wicking system, we will make sure the wicking bed is full and check them on a regular basis. We will keep feeding the worms in each of the garden beds and make sure the worm farms don't dry out. As out plants are provided by Bunnings - we will contact them and ask if we can have some more plants. We will need to top up the soil with some good soil and fertilizer before we plant the plants. once the plants have grown we will share them with others - or even see if we can sell some. We will learn about the various plants and find out what special care they may need and we will research how they are pollinated. We will also research how to know if the plant/vegetable/fruit is ready to harvest. We will also learn about rotating the beds so that the soil gets the nutrients replaced. We may take the time to measure the growth and put this on a graph.

Art

• The student could engage in observational drawing of the plants in the garden, focusing on shapes, patterns, and colors.
• They can create collages using dried leaves, flowers, and other plant materials to explore textures and forms found in nature.
• They can paint or create sculptures inspired by the different plants and flowers, expressing their understanding and appreciation for the garden.

English

• The student can maintain a journal to document the growth and changes in the garden, practicing descriptive writing and recording observations.
• They could write a procedural text or a set of instructions on how to care for specific plants in the garden, developing their writing and sequencing skills.
• They can write a persuasive letter to Bunnings, expressing the class's needs for more plants and explaining the benefits of their gardening project.

Math

• The student can measure the growth of plants using non-standard units like popsicle sticks or string, and record the data on a growth chart.
• They could practice estimating and counting the number of seedlings or flowers in the garden, developing their counting and estimation skills.
• They can learn about the concept of area by calculating the surface area of the garden beds and the volume of the wicking system.

Physical Education

• The student can engage in physical activities related to gardening, such as digging, planting, and watering, promoting physical fitness and coordination.
• They could participate in gentle stretching or yoga activities focused on the movements of plants and the natural environment.
• They can also learn about the importance of healthy eating and nutrition through discussions about the fruits and vegetables they are growing.

Science

• The student can observe and investigate the life cycle of plants, from seed germination to harvest, understanding the different stages of plant growth and reproduction.
• They can study the roles of worms in the garden beds, learning about the decomposition process and the importance of organic matter in soil fertility.
• They can research pollination methods and the role of insects in plant reproduction, understanding the interdependence between plants and animals.

Social Studies

• The student can explore the cultural and historical significance of the plants they are growing, connecting their gardening activities to different traditions and customs.
• They can discuss the environmental impact of gardening and the importance of sustainability, promoting awareness of ecological responsibility.
• They can learn about food distribution and the value of sharing and trading their harvested crops with others, understanding the concept of community and cooperation.

For continued development, students can engage in interdisciplinary activities, such as creating a collaborative art project inspired by the garden, where they write and illustrate a story based on the plants and their experiences. They can also organize a mini-garden exhibition and open it to the school community, incorporating public speaking and presentation skills. These activities provide opportunities for further creativity, collaboration, and communication.

Book Recommendations

• Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner: A beautifully illustrated book that explores the interconnectedness of nature and the life cycles of plants and animals in the garden.
• The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle: A classic children's book that follows the journey of a tiny seed as it grows into a beautiful flower, teaching about the life cycle of plants.
• The Curious Garden by Peter Brown: An inspiring story about a boy who transforms a gray city into a green and vibrant garden, highlighting the impact of gardening and caring for the environment.