Finding innovative ways to engage students in meaningful, hands-on activities can make all the difference in the classroom. Let's explore the immense potential of incorporating planting activities into classroom lessons, particularly for STEM education. As an educator who stumbled upon the joys of gardening during the pandemic, I can attest to the transformative power of growing plants. There are numerous benefits to bringing gardening into the classroom, especially how it can foster a deep understanding of caring for the environment and its impact on our future.
Did you know that today is National Plant and Flower Day?
National Plant a Flower Day (March 12) encourages people to embrace the beauty of nature by planting flowers that hold immense potential for educational exploration. As signs of spring emerge across the country, this time of year becomes the perfect window to introduce students to the wonders of gardening and the cyclical nature of plant life.
From hobby to classroom: the value of sowing for educators
The pandemic prompted many of us to seek solace in outdoor activities, and for me, gardening became a therapeutic hobby. The value added to our lives by growing plants is special and difficult to measure. As educators, we can take this personal experience and translate it into classroom lessons that go beyond textbooks and engage students in hands-on learning.
5 Key Concepts for Classroom Planting Activities
1. Cultivate: Explore the cultivation process with students. Discuss the importance of preparing the soil, choosing the right plants, and understanding the environmental factors that contribute to successful growth. Use scientific tools like Labdisc All-in-One Science Laboratory to measure pH in the soil, temperature and other factors that could affect successful growth.
2. Health benefits: Connect gardening with health benefits. Discuss how being outdoors, getting your hands dirty, and tending to plants can have a positive impact on physical and mental well-being. Graph benefits using the technology” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Notes app on your interactive flat screen and add/revise as the planting process progresses.
3. Garden variety: Introduce students to a variety of plants, from perennials to seasonal flowers. Discuss the unique characteristics of each and how they contribute to a vibrant garden. use your interactive visualization Introduce different plants and flowers so that students can see the similarities and differences.
4. Environmental Impact: Emphasize the role of gardens in supporting local ecosystems, especially the crucial role they play in supporting pollinators. Consider also how classroom gardens can serve as living laboratories, giving students firsthand experiences in ecological management.
5. Bee Awareness: Highlight the importance of bees in the ecosystem and how planting flowers can directly contribute to their well-being. Discuss the interconnectedness of plant life and pollinators, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship. Incorporate the use of 3D printers by having students print a bee house to better observe how bees pollinate gardens.
Planting Seeds of Knowledge: What Educators and Students Gain
Incorporating planting activities into lessons extends learning beyond the classroom, fostering environmental appreciation and hands-on ecological experiences for students. As the signs of spring emerge, beginning these activities cultivates responsibility, patience, and the joy of nurturing life. Let's embrace the educational potential of planting, encouraging wonder and environmental stewardship.
Explore dynamic solutions to boost teaching and learning, including STEM educational tools and technology training. Gonna www.boxlight.com.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)(0);
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1&status=0”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
