Planning the garden
In order to be involved in the project
from the beginning students need to take part in the planning of the garden.
This can be a valuable curriculum exercise in many ways. Within this the students
can complete the following:
- measure the area to be used. Using real life measurements and recording
accurately.
- accurately draw a scale plan of the area. Using the measurements to construct
a plan using scale and angles.
- research the fruits, vegetables and ornamental that they would like to
grow and their suitability to the site.
- Studying the microclimate of different areas of the school. Carrying out
weather measurements, recording and presenting.
Ground Clearing
Once the area has been chosen the first thing that many schools
will have to do is clear an area of ground in order to start the project. This
will involve ridding the area of unwanted materials and plants. Usually schools
would resort to using herbicides. However, hand-weeding and mulching are the
organic methods that can be used. Within this students can think about a number
of issues;
- Different types of 'weed'
- The effect of covering plants and depriving them of light and water.
- How long plants need to be covered. This will involve the recording of
data and graphical presentation of the information.
- Which plants grow back first and how long they take to grow back. This
will involve the recording of data and graphical presentation of the information.
- Types of material that can be used.
- Soil types
- Compare methods of getting rid of different weed types Annuals and perennial.
- Students to think about what they can do to reduce weed growth after the
area has been cleared.
Preparing the soil and soil maintenance
It is essential to improve soil structure
and feed the soil rather than the plants. Students will need to understand that
a programme of soil maintenance is needed and how it can be carried out. Students
will need to test the pH of the soil and examine its structure. Within this
students can think about and investigate the following;
- pH and it's affect on plants. Measuring and recording pH.
- soil type and it's affect on plants
- nutrients and their affect on plants
- soil structure
- How different materials can improve soil structure
Growing From Seed
Students will then be involved in
growing and planting of plants. This will involve choosing plants to grow, planting
and caring for either seeds or plants. This can take place both inside and outside.
Within this students can think about a number of issues;
- number of seeds to plant. Dividing up number of seeds.
- measuring out planting distances.
- germination rates. Working out the percentage of seeds that germinate.
Probability.
- plant life cycles
- growing mediums
- conditions for planting and sowing
- affect of light, temperature and water on plants and seeds. Using real
life measurements and making calculations concerning the effects.
- use of organic plant foods where necessary
- types of plant
Composting
Students will then be involved in
composting a range of materials. This will involve creating a compost heap,
investigating the composting process, identifying suitable materials. Within
this students can think about a number of issues;
- building a compost box. Measurement of wood for construction and volume.
- what can be composted
- creation of a compost heap. Recording of amounts of different waste put
into the compost heap.
- compost temperature. Measurement of temperature and recording of results.
- decomposition rates. Measurement and recording of rates of decomposition.
- wildlife present. Recording creatures present in an area of the compost
and working out total creatures in the heap.
- micro-organisms and their benefits
Vegetable Garden
Students can create and maintain a
vegetable garden. This will involve the clearing and soil preparation as outlined
previously. It will then involve the choice and growth of plants as well as
the maintenance of the area. Students will within this be able to investigate
and think about the following;
- what vegetables to grow
- when vegetables need to be planted and harvested. Using dates and calculating
growth rates and harvest time.
- plan the area to take account of microclimate. Measuring,
recording and presenting microclimate data.
- rotation. Working out 3-4 rotations.
- pest and disease control
- pest barriers and traps
- weather readings to monitor frost. Measuring, recording
and presenting data.
- growth and productivity. How many plants they grow as a percentage of
the seed they used. The costs of the plants as compared with shop bought.
- soil conditions
Wildlife Attraction
Students can be involved in developing
areas to attract wildlife, such as a flower border and/or pond. The National
Curriculum links that apply in the clearing and planting also apply here. However,
there are other links. Things that students can investigate or think about include;
- what flowers and plants will attract wildlife
- what structures need to be provided for wildlife. Building of structures
can will involve measurements and calculations.
- what types of animals are beneficial and which might be considered pests
- recording numbers of animals. Recording and presenting
of information.
- when are certain animals seen
- what are the different habitats that different creatures prefer
- food chains and webs
- the effects of pesticides today and in the past
- construction and maintenance of a pond. Construction includes some complex
mathematical calculations and measuring.
Using Green Manures
In many areas of schools there is
bare soil for one reason or another. This is ideal for growing and utilising
green manures. Bare soil is unattractive and vulnerable to erosion and leaching.
Green manures are grown and then when they reach a certain stage they are dug
into the soil where they gradually decompose and provide nutrients for the soil.
Growth of green manures is an ideal opportunity for students to investigate
and think about the following;
- life cycle of plants
- biology of plants
- the different benefits of green manures e.g. nitrogen fixer
- soil erosion. Calculation and measurement of soil erosion.
- soil characteristics (nutrients)
Although not all of these investigations and tasks are directly related to
mathematics, many of them involve mathematical calculations and skills. (those
underlined). Students will need to measure area, count weeds/animals, complete
mathematical calculations, record work, present and interpret results. Therefore
they will cover;
- Ma2 - Number and Algebra
- Ma3 - Shape, space and measures
- Ma4 - Handling Data
Mathematics
Key Stage 3