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.
- accurately draw a scale plan of the area.
- 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.
Ground Clearing
One of the first things that many schools will have to do is clear some 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,
handweeding 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.
- Which plants grow back first.
- 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 it's structure. Within this students can think about
and investigate the following;
- pH and it's affect on plants
- 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;
- plant life cycles
- growing mediums
- conditions for planting and sowing
- affect of light, temperature and water on plants and seeds
- 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
- what can be composted
- creation of a compost heap
- compost temperature
- decomposition rates
- wildlife present
- 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
- plan the area to take account of microclimate
- rotation
- pest and disease control
- pest barriers and traps
- weather readings to monitor frost
- growth and productivity
- 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
- what types of animals are beneficial and which might be considered pests
- recording numbers of animals
- 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
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 vunerable 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
- soil characteristics (nutrients)
Key
Stage 3
English
During every stage of any of these investigations and projects students will
be required to work together to complete tasks and investigations. This will
include looking for information on computers and in a variety of text forms,
group work and listening. Students could also be asked to present their work.
Therefore the students can cover a wide variety of skills and tasks that apply
to their real life experiences. The areas of the curriculum that they will cover
include:
- En1 - Speaking and listening
- En2 - Reading
- En3 - Writing
English