Ready for action?
Resources
Tangible Resources
Planks for building a flowerbed of a suitable length, soil in which to sow a mixture of meadow plants, drill, screwdriver, dowels, wood glue, wood preservative, liner sheet, mixed wildflower seeds.
Preparation
Prepare tools and materials; purchase seeds; invite parents to help with the build.
Goals, messages & concepts
Specific goals
- To learn how to use tools and how to construct a planter.
- To increase biodiversity in the local area by planting wildflowers on school grounds.
Specific messages
- Planting wildflowers will impact biodiversity beyond the school gate as it will benefit pollinators.
Main terms
- flowerbed
- wildflowers
- pollinators
- construction
- safety
Practices & skills
STEM practices
- Using mathematics and computational thinking
Soft skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
Management skills
- Planning
- Use of resources
Course of activity
step 1
Students will make planters for flower beds to promote biodiversity within the school grounds. Discuss health and safety measures, and watch videos on the correct use of each tool.
step 2
Prepare tools, materials and the workspace.
step 3
Working together, measure and cut the boards for the flowerbed.
step 4
Connect all the elements with glue and screws.
step 5
Paint and leave to dry.
step 6
Once dry, protect the bottom and sides with a liner sheet, then pour in the soil and sow the seeds according to the instructions on the packet.
step 7
Ideally set up flowerbeds in various places around the school.