Gleaning Lesson

OBJECTIVE Students will be able to identify plants that have gone to seed, and will recognize the power in saving seeds in their garden for the future. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS Why is seed saving important? MATERIALS NEEDED Seed saving: Colander, envelopes, pencils, seed saving basketHerb drying: dehydrator, trays for drying, scissorsGarden work: harvest basket, gloves, cultivators, […]

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Core curriculum subjects
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Soil Food Web

MA CURRICULUM FRAMEWORKS Explain and give examples of the ways in which soil is formed (the weathering of rock by water and wind and from the decomposition of plant and animal remains). OBJECTIVE Students will be able to recognize the different elements of the soil food web. Students will understand that soil is alive, and […]

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Core curriculum subjects
Island Grown Schools topics

Food and Celebration

OBJECTIVE Students understand that special foods are used for special occasions. Students learn how to taste with respect and discretion. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS Where does food come from? How does food build community? What is the role of food in celebration? MATERIALS NEEDED Pre-lesson writing prompt: Write a brief descriptive paragraph about the food you had […]

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Core curriculum subjects
Island Grown Schools topics

Seed Saving

OBJECTIVE By discussing and saving seeds from the garden, students learn how to save seeds and why seed saving is important. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS Where do seeds come from? MATERIALS NEEDED Dried seed pods to bring into the classroom and other seeds to save in the garden PROCEDURE Introduction:• Review: what is the job of a […]

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Core curriculum subjects
Island Grown Schools topics

Companion Planting Lesson

OBJECTIVE Students will understand the relationships between different plants and how plants help each other grow. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS Why do we plant different plants together? How can plants help other plants? MATERIALS NEEDED Six packs of plants (one per pair of students) Potting soil Tomatoes (and marigolds, if not already started) Watering cans Labels and […]

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Core curriculum subjects
Island Grown Schools topics

Colonial America- Grains /Oats

OBJECTIVE To discover how New England colonists survived with limited means through bartering, hard agricultural work, and reliance on crops like hulless peelcorn oats. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS What role did oats play in colonial history? How does food build community? MATERIALS NEEDED Pre-made Porridge (oats, molasses, water/milk, cinnamon stick), crock-pot, bowls and spoons, oat seeds, seed […]

Grade levels
Core curriculum subjects
Island Grown Schools topics