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All grades  Project 4 weeks

"Teamwork Science Quest: Brainstorm & Experiment!"

Danielle E
6-8.AF.8.5
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1
TH:Cr2.8.b
Build cultural intelligence
Build networks
+ 1 more
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Purpose

Students will collaboratively design and implement a sustainable community garden, engaging in scientific inquiry and creative problem-solving. Through this project, they will enhance their communication skills by presenting their findings and plans, both in writing and orally, to diverse audiences. By working together, students will build cultural intelligence and community networks, while also exploring multilingual communication to reach broader audiences. This hands-on experience will foster critical thinking as students consider ecological impacts and biodiversity, aligning with academic standards and personal growth competencies.

Learning goals

Students will collaboratively design and present a plan for a sustainable community garden, enhancing their communication and critical thinking skills. They will engage in diverse group discussions to explore the impact of biodiversity and sustainability on their school environment. Through this project, students will practice sharing leadership roles and responsibilities, fostering cultural intelligence and multilingual communication. By the end of the project, students will have developed a network of community partners and gained practical experience in ecological stewardship.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 6-8.AF.8.5 - Communicate scientific and/or technical information (e.g. about a proposed object, tool, process, system) in writing and/or through oral presentations.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1 - Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] TH:Cr2.8.b - Share leadership and responsibilities to develop collaborative goals when preparing or devising drama/theatre work.
Competencies
  • Sustain Well-Being - Build cultural intelligence (SW.3)
  • Build Community - Build networks (BC.3)
  • Build Community - Develop as a multilingual (BC.4)

Products

Students will collaboratively design and present a detailed plan for a sustainable community garden, incorporating native plant species to enhance local biodiversity. Each group will create a multimedia presentation, including written reports and oral presentations, to communicate their garden design and its benefits to the school community. Additionally, students will engage in a drama-based role-play to simulate a community meeting, practicing communication and leadership skills in a multilingual setting.

Launch

Kick off the project by inviting a local environmental expert to speak about the importance of biodiversity and sustainable practices in community gardens. Follow this with a field trip to a nearby community garden where students can observe and document existing biodiversity. Back in class, students will engage in a collaborative brainstorming session to generate initial ideas for their own sustainable garden designs.

Exhibition

Students will present their sustainable community garden designs through a multimedia showcase, including digital presentations, models, and written proposals. They will host an open house event inviting peers, teachers, and community members to engage in discussions about their projects. Each group will lead a guided tour of their proposed garden, highlighting key features that support biodiversity and enhance the school environment. Students will also facilitate a Q&A session to demonstrate their communication skills and deepen their understanding through audience interaction.