The Aggravation of Accumulation

Lesson Overview:

National Science Education Standards:

Content Standard A: Science as Inquiry
Abilities Necessary to do Scientific Inquiry

Content Standard C: Life Science
Structures and Functions in Living Systems

Strand 2: Knowledge of Environmental Processes and Systems
2. The Living Environment

Key Concepts:

1. The misuse of synthetic chemicals can negatively impact the health of the environment.

2. Using natural fertilizers and pesticides can reduce pollution to the environment.

3. Organically grown produce is safe to eat.

Students will:

determine which types of vegetables are best to grow in their area.

select a suitable site for their vegetable garden.

decide on the proper soil mix.

understand the plant growth process by planting and caring for the garden.

Cross-Curricular Connections:

Language Arts:
• Keep a journal in which students record their observations and the progress of their garden.

Mathematics:
• Measure proper amounts and mixtures of soil, fertilizer, etc.

Experimenting
Observing
Predicting
Modeling
Measuring
Controlling Variables

Materials:

Per Classroom (inside garden)
Long, flat pots (length and depth will depend on plant chosen and amount of classroom space available)
Seeds or transplants of chosen vegetables and flowers
Proper soil mixture (depends on plants chosen)
Water and watering can
Fish meal fertilizer or manure
Insecticidal soap
Grow lights

One growing season (depends on plants chosen)

Procedure:

1. If possible, take a field trip to a local garden center. If this is not possible, contact the local Cooperative Extension Service agent (there are agents in urban areas) to come to the class and help plan the garden.
   
2. Select plants resistant to insects and diseases.
   
3. Select the proper soil mixture for the plants chosen.
   
4. Plant the seeds or transplants according to instructions on the packets.
   
5. Use natural fertilizer such as fish meal. Fertilize at intervals according to packet directions.
   
6. Don't forget to water. Don't under-water or over-water. Read watering instructions on seed packets.
   
7. Remove dead plant material that could harbor insects or diseases.
   
8. Pull weeds before they bloom.
   
9. Spray plants with insecticidal soap to kill soft-bodied insects such as aphids and grubs.
   
10. Try natural insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which has been shown to be effective against caterpillars and beetles without harming humans or wildlife.
    
11. Plant a variety of crops that flower throughout the season (such as some marigolds) to deter pests (such as rabbits).
    
12. Once the plants are ready to harvest, do so as soon as possible.
    
13. Give each student some vegetables and flowers to take home.

NOTE: If it is possible to have a garden on the school grounds, pick a proper spot for the beds, depending on the plants chosen (i.e., what amount of sunlight is required). Build the beds above the ground using untreated wood as boundaries. Add proper soil mixture and proceed as above. To keep insects away from outside gardens, try physical barriers such as cheese cloth, netting and row covers. Surround developing plants with tin can collars to protect against insects that feed or lay their eggs at a plant's base.

Suggested Discussion Questions:

What is the feasibility for organic gardening to feed large numbers of people?

What type of plant grew the best and why?

What happened to plants that did not grow well?

Would it have been easier to use chemicals?

Further Investigations:

Students can research organic methods used on a large scale and compare them with chemical methods on a large scale.

Students can investigate the cost differential between organically grown and chemically grown produce.

Students can research recipes to cook vegetables.

Agricultural Engineer
Farmer
Extension Service Agent
Organic Food Store Owner / Manager

Assessment Procedures:

Student participation in creating the garden.

Journals recording progress of garden.