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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Jack’s Garden Adventure:�Garden Exploration with Kindergarten

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Jack’s Garden Adventure:�Garden Exploration with Kindergarten

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A Kindergarten STEM lesson

Sheryl Wells

06/20/24

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Notes for teachers

Notes: ��This lesson is designed to be used with a school garden but can be adapted for a classroom garden or a local community garden. Do not let the space available limit you. ��This lesson ties together ELA, Science, and Math.

List of Materials�

  • Jack's Garden by Henry Cole
  • Pictures or illustrations of garden tools and plants
  • Garden space or planting pots
  • Seeds or seedlings of various plants
  • Cubes for non-standard measurement
  • Magnifying glasses
  • Garden gloves (optional)
  • Watering cans
  • Garden trowels or shovels (optional)

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Standards

Science: NGSS Related Standard - K-ESS3-3: Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.

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Related to Arizona Earth and Space Science and Life Science Standards.

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Standards

Math: K.MD.A.2: Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common, to see which object has "more of"/"less of" the attribute, and describe the difference.

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ELA: K.RL.1: With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text. K.RL.4: With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text. K.RL.10: With prompting and support, actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding.

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Objectives:

  • Students will develop an appreciation for nature and gardening through storytelling and hands-on exploration.�
  • Students will understand the basic components of a garden and the role of plants in our environment.�
  • Students will explore mathematical concepts related to measurement and comparison using objects found in the garden.

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Agenda

Lesson 1: Introduction to Gardening with � Jack’s Garden

Lesson 2: Garden Exploration

Lesson 3: Planting Activity

Lesson 4: Measurement and Comparison

Celebration and Sharing

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Lesson 1: Introduction

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How can we learn about gardening from a book and then take care of our own garden?

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Lesson 2: �Garden Exploration

Note: This is a great day to have extra volunteers on hand to help students safely explore and ask lots of questions and make connections to the book.

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  • Take students outside to the school garden or a designated garden area.

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  • Encourage students to explore the garden space, using their senses to observe plants, soil, and insects.

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  • Provide magnifying glasses for students to examine plants and insects up close.

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  • Guide students in identifying different types of plants and discussing their characteristics.

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Lesson 3: �Planting Activity

  • Demonstrate how to plant seeds or seedlings in the garden, explaining the importance of proper planting techniques.�
  • Have students assist in planting seeds or seedlings, providing guidance as needed.�
  • Encourage students to gently water the newly planted seeds or seedlings using watering cans.

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Lesson 4: �Measurement and Comparison

  • Provide cubes, or other objects, for students to use in measuring the height or length of plants and plant parts in the garden.�
  • Guide students in comparing the measurements of different plants and discussing which ones are taller/shorter. longer/shorter.�
  • Encourage students to describe the differences they observe using mathematical language.

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Celebration Day

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Have a celebration or showcase day to invite the students’ families in to let the students share what they have learned and grown.

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Evidence of Learning

  • Active participation in garden exploration and planting activities.�
  • Engagement in discussions about garden components and plant characteristics.�
  • Ability to compare and describe the heights and lengths of plants using mathematical language.

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Differentiation

  • Partner students up one-on-one with an adult or supportive peer to complete the activities.�
  • Have students practice measuring items inside on paper to see if they are able to measure 2D objects if measuring the 3D items in the garden is difficult.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

  • Have students create their own garden drawings or collages, including labels for different plants and garden features.�
  • Explore the life cycle of plants and discuss how plants grow and change over time.�
  • Connect the lesson to environmental stewardship by discussing ways to care for and protect the school garden.

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