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Day 1: Exploring Garden Science and George Washington Carver

 

History Makers Society Session:

• Introduce George Washington Carver as the History Makers Society person of the week. Discuss Carver's life and contributions to agriculture and sustainable farming practices. Highlight Carver's use of scientific methods and technology in agricultural research, such as soil analysis and crop experimentation.

• We will discuss Carver's innovative techniques for sustainable agriculture, such as companion planting and crop rotation. We will also explore how Carver's ideas are still used today in organic farming and soil conservation practices.

 

Science Exploration:

• Collaboratively plan and build the garden bed, incorporating Carver's principles of soil conservation and crop rotation.

• Learners will begin to paint rocks to serve as garden markers, each representing a different plant variety they decided to plant.

 

Art Project:

• We will learn about the artist Georgia O'Keeffe, and create fruit/vegetable paintings inspired by her work. Learners will need to bring in a fruit or a vegetable to cut and examine with a magnifying glass, they may also look up microscopic photos for inspiration. They will create large-scale paintings or drawings of their produce in the style of Georgia O'Keeffe, focusing on exaggerated scale and close-up views.

 

Day 2: Digging Deeper into Garden Science and Art

 

History Makers Society Session:

• Further explore George Washington Carver's research on soil fertility and plant breeding. Discuss his experiments with legumes and peanuts and their impact on agricultural practices.

• Learners will plant their garden beds, using the rocks they painted to label each plant. 

 

Science Exploration: 

• Pollination and Plant Vascular Systems: Learn about the importance of pollinators in the garden ecosystem and the structure and function of plant vascular systems. Conduct experiments and observations to explore how plants transport water and nutrients.

 

Art Project: 

• Pollinator Collages: Create mixed-media collages depicting pollinators and flowers, inspired by Carver's advocacy for biodiversity and habitat preservation. Wildflower Seed Bombs: Make wildflower seed bombs using clay, soil, and native wildflower seeds. Discuss the importance of supporting pollinators and increasing biodiversity in the garden ecosystem.

 

Day 3: Harvesting Knowledge and Creativity in the Garden

 

History Makers Society Session:

• Wrap up the unit study by reflecting on George Washington Carver's legacy and his impact on agriculture and education. Discuss the importance of stewardship and innovation in addressing environmental challenges.

 

Science Exploration:

• Introduce learners to the concept of keeping a garden data log to record observations, measurements, and experiments conducted in the garden. Discuss the importance of collecting data to track plant growth, soil health, and environmental conditions.

• Learners will talk about the role of worms and insects in soil health and pest control. They will also explore the process of photosynthesis and its significance for plant growth and food production.

 

Art Project -:

• Famous Artist Inspiration: learners will be introduced to more famous artists known for their nature-themed artwork, such as Claude Monet or Vincent van Gogh. Create garden-themed artwork inspired by these artists, using their techniques and styles as inspiration. Some learners may wish to work with clay, others may be inspired to make a colored rice or noodle mosaic. 

• Or learners can Design and build LEGO models of flowers or garden scenes, exploring creativity and engineering skills.

 

Science Exploration:  

• Worms, Insects, and Photosynthesis: Learn about the role of worms and insects in soil health and pest control. Explore the process of photosynthesis and its significance for plant growth and food production.

 

The above topics provide a general scope for our unit study, serving as a foundation for our exploration of garden science. However, we aim to foster a broader learning experience by empowering learners to choose their own paths of research and project-based learning. By encouraging individual interests and inquiries, we enhance engagement and encourage deeper exploration of the diverse aspects of garden science. Throughout the unit study, we will integrate additional activities such as making a LEGO model of the water cycle, constructing a cardboard maze for plants to grow, and participating in plant research presentations. Learners will be encouraged to engage in hands-on learning, critical thinking, and creativity as they explore the intersection of garden science, art, and history.

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*Curriculum developed by Raising Brain, LLC

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