Learning Math Through Garden Design

How it works:

Learning Math Through Garden Design is a very fun unit that allows the students to use their imagination and creativity. The students are actually permitted to daydream a little for inspiration during this unit. Several math skills are reinforced through the use of technology, via Internet, such as: linear measurement, plane figures, polygons, quadrilaterals, perimeter, area, and ordered pair numbers (coordinate geometry). The math skills are easily adapted to give resource and English Language Learning students some extra help, while giving GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) and advanced students an extra challenge. The students review math concepts on the Internet and play online math games, which can be very motivating for many students.

The students make lists, take notes and make plans for a school garden plot; limited only by their imagination and the resources available to them through books, magazines, gardening catalogs, and the internet.

Assessment:

A point system for each lesson in the unit

Standards:

Math

Geometry and Spatial Sense

Mathematics instructional programs should include attention to attention to geometry and spatial sense so that all students:

•  analyze characteristics and properties of

 two- and three-dimensional geometric objects.

•     select and use different representational

 systems, including coordinate geometry and graph theory.

Estimated Number of Class Periods:

Each of the five lessons takes approximately between 45 and 60 minutes. Extra time is needed for independent practice and work time. The unit can be done in no less than a month.

Software or Materials Used:

Computer with Internet access, Digital Camera

Keywords: 

garden, gardening, garden design, garden plans, plans, design, math, perimeter, area, coordinate geometry, planning a garden.

The Students: 

The students that worked on this unit were third graders ranging from 8 years old to 10 years old. These students were from several different ethnic and economic backgrounds; such as Filipino, Mexican, American, field working families and middle class working families. GATE (gifted students) as well as resource students were involved in his project.

Overall Value:

One goal of this unit is for the students to understand and use mathematical concepts in a fun way by designing a garden plot. Another goal of this unit is to give the students experience in using the Internet for clarification, practice and homework help in subject areas. With this unit the teacher can discover hidden talents of their students.

Details:

Subject Area: Math

Second Subject Area : Science                               

 Starting Grade Level: In California it is a third grade standard to learn about the local history, thus this unit is appropriate for third grade, but it can be adapted to other grades.

 Ending Grade Level: This unit can be adapted to be done with students from first grade and up.

Tips for the Teacher:

Save gardening catalogs and magazines for this unit. Be careful when creating teams. Make sure that the students are teamed with students that they will work well with. Use the math in this unit as practice, reinforcement or enrichment, not as an introductory lesson.

Name: Jessica N. Rivera

School: Ida Redmond Taylor

E-mail: jrivera@smbsd.net

Jessica N. Rivera has been teaching in Santa Barbara County for The Santa Maria-Bonita School District since 1989. Her experience includes teaching kindergarten through third grade.

She earned her first teaching degree in México where she taught for a year before moving to the US. Later she earned an A.A. degree in Bilingual Cross-Cultural Studies at Ventura college, a B.A. in Art Studio at UCSB, a Bilingual Cross-Cultural Multiple Subject credential with emphasis in Spanish at UCSB, and most recently a master's degree in Educational Technology at Pepperdine University.