NCTIES2020

Creating a school garden is no easy task. Through this presentation, attendees will learn how to set up a garden (classroom or school) to foster hands-on learning with the integration of technology. This presentation will have 3 main points- how to build a garden, planting a garden with engaging lessons, and gardening with content and technology in mind.

Attendees will begin by voting on a question about school gardens using mentimeter. Once I learn the overall background with school gardens we will begin by collaborating on how to build a garden by thinking of their classroom or school goal. I will present common questions that educators should answer before designing their garden. We will use a padlet to post ideas under each question to brainstorm and collaborate ideas.

Last we will brainstorm how to use the garden to incorporate various curricular areas to increase academic achievement. For example, students can help design the garden by measuring the area, creating a blueprint, and cost analysis. I will lead attendees in using Google Drawing to create a mock design of a garden that would work best for their needs which they can model for their students. This will be helpful once they return to their school and begin visualizing their garden. Attendees will also complete a hands-on garden lesson where they will plant a seed in a bag which can be grown and transplanted into the garden. Attendees will be given sample lessons for various age groups (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12) to begin building their garden lesson book. I will present on the various ways to incorporate technology into the garden by reviewing podcasting, google sites, and Flipgrid. Attendees will review samples of how technology can be incorporated along with hands-on learning in the garden for various content areas.

Participants should expect to walk away excited and prepared to begin gardening with students to incorporate technology and hands-on learning. They will have a better understanding of how to use different technology tools while gardening to enhance critical thinking skills, collaboration, communication, and creativity.