Purpose:
In planning their act of philanthropy, students will identify types of gardens and discuss what is practical for the garden they are planning to build.
Duration:
Two Forty-Minute Class Periods
Objectives:
The learner will:
- research different types of gardens.
- make research-based decisions on what will go into the garden.
Experiential Component:
Students are making decisions related to their gift of a garden to the community.
Materials:
- Magazines or reference books related to gardening
- Photographs of gardens
- Internet access
Instructional Procedure(s):
Anticipatory Set:
Remind students of their chosen purpose for their garden as a gift to the community. Ask them to brainstorm on what kinds of plant material might be suitable for their garden.
- Have students use gardening magazines, photographs, and the Internet to compare different types of gardens. They should note what is recommended for various uses of gardens.
- A landscape artist, garden club member or representative of a local gardening store may be invited to come in and talk about planning a garden. If this option is used, make sure students have a list of questions ready to ask when the speaker is ready for questions. Suggestions for questions might include:
- How are gardens laid out?
- Where should plants be planted? (Shorter plants in front, rows versus broadcasting for naturalization, etc.)
- What plants grow best in this area?
- How do you prepare to start the garden?
- After the area for a garden has been selected, discuss various types of gardens. Remind students of the purpose of their garden. Is it to be a quiet area, bird sanctuary, a recreational area, or how is it to be used?
- After the students have studied the magazines, etc., and/or listened to the landscape artist or garden club member, have students work in pairs to draw a picture of what they think the garden should look like. Discuss the pictures with the students. Have them identify the best parts of each plan.
Assessment:
- Pictures the students made can be used to assess whether the students are actively involved in the discussion.
- Students will write a paragraph in their journals giving their recommendation on how their garden should be laid out.
- The teacher may observe students' participation as a form of assessment.
School/Home Connection:
None for this lesson.
Bibliographical References:
None for this lesson.