Greener gardens
Summary information
Age range: | 7 - 14 year olds |
Curriculum links: | Science, D&T |
Time needed: | time varies |
Group size: | Pairs or small groups |
Setting: | Indoor planning session followed by lots of work outdoors |
Key vocabulary: | Fossil fuels, greenhouse gases, CO2, carbon dioxide, emissions, greenhouse effect, global warming, climate change. |
Sustainability learning outcome(s): | Pupils will:
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Resources needed:
Internet access for initial research session.
Procedure:
1. Explain that the pupils are going to identify a gardening project that can be developed within the school (and/or at home). Brainstorm different types of gardening project e.g. a site for containers or planters, a compost heap, rainwater harvesting, a vegetable patch, a wildlife area, a bird box or feeder, a bench, a willow structure, a tree. Walk around the school and identify any suitable areas.
2. Return to the classroom and assign different areas of research to different groups. Explain that each group can develop their own project but must be able to brief other groups on the area of research that they’ve been assigned:
- Autumn planting: www.rhs.org.uk/learning/education/posters.asp
- Summer planting: www.rhs.org.uk/learning/education/posters.asp
- Spring planting: www.rhs.org.uk/learning/education/posters.asp
- Composting: www.mansfieldct.org/Schools/MMS/compost
- Wildlife: www.english-nature.org.uk/Nature_In_The_Garden
- Big ideas: www.teachernet.gov.uk/growingschools/support/detail.cfm?id=45
- Food growing: www.growinggrub.co.uk/intro/intro01_frameset.htm
- Rainwater harvesting:www.wateraid.org.uk/uk/what_we_do/how_we_work/sustainable_technologies/technology_notes/246.asp
- Helping birds: www.rspb.org.uk/advice/helpingbirds
- Projects for younger children: www.english-nature.org.uk/Nature_In_The_Garden/fun.asp
3. As a whole class, invite pupils to share their work.
Extension:
Put some of the plans into action.
Evaluation:
Ask pairs of pupils to discuss the following:
“When you’re putting a plan into action, the five most important things you need to do are…”
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