Purpose: To create an in multipurpose space for Kindergarten and First Grade students to address science standards.
 

Kindergarten standards include: 

• LS.K.2.2 compare and contrast a variety of plants and their structures

• LS.K.1.1 structure, growth and changes of living things 

First grade standards include: 

• LS.1.1.1 obtain, evaluate and summarize needs of plants 

• ESS.1.2.1 summarize properties of Earth materials, rocks, minerals, soils and water

• ESS.1.2.1 investigate and compare properties of different soil samples.

 

Phase 1
The budgeted materials would allow us to build 6 raised garden beds. These beds would be used by the Kindergarten and 1st grade students to each individually participate in planting seeds. This would impact roughly 300 students annually. They will learn about the needs of living things as they continue to check on the seeds daily to provide water and food. Students will also be able to analyze the growth of the variety of plants. The variety of seeds will allow them to compare and contrast the structure and growth changes of living things such as flowers, vegetables and fruits.
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Our first grade students would be able to plant the same seeds in sand and clay to compare to the seeds planted in the potting soil. Our district provides sand and clay for teachers to use for this standard, however, good fertilized potting soil isn’t provided. Teachers are often required to buy potting soil using their own money, or forgo the hands-on experience for students. Having these potting soil beds would allow them to create hands-on learning for students as they are able to physically plant their seeds in three types of soil. 

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Our school has business partners who have offered to help us with labor, after we are able to secure the funding for this project. With this grant, we would be able to start Phase 1 of this project in February-March of 2024, depending on the weather. This would give our Kindergarten and First grade students an opportunity to plant seeds in March and observe, analyze, and investigate their growth through the end of the school year. 

The materials chosen for this project were highly researched so that sustainability is maximized. Steel metal and pressure treated wood were chosen so the raised beds will last for many years to come. Cinder blocks have also already been secured to build up a proper drainage system underneath the soil, as well as to minimize the amount of soil that has to be purchased each year to replenish the beds. 

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Phase 2

This phase includes putting down weed barrier mats and pebbles for a nicer more accessible space. This would prevent students from being unable to access the garden area due to previous weather conditions which would result in mud for several days. Oftentimes, seeds are planted in March/April (depending on weather). Because this is also when we have the most rainfall, it makes it difficult to get to the garden beds on a frequent basis because of the consistent mud. Putting weed barrier and pebbles in the garden area would allow our students to visit the gardens more frequently to conduct their investigations. Gravel binding glue would also be used to ensure that our pebbles are wheelchair accessible since our school has 25% Exceptional Children’s population. The pebble size has already been researched for maximum accessibility.​​​​​​