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4b
Research
Preparation time: 45 min
Teaching time: 45 min

Meeting with an Expert: Landscape architect

A virtual or physical meeting with a landscape architect who will tell the students about the various aspects involved in the environmental planning of outdoor spaces in general and playgrounds in particular. Students will learn about how to create an open space that traverses the human-nature-city triangle, and how to take into account elements such as vegetation, shade planning, accessibility, and connection to the urban fabric. The lecture will focus on playgrounds and showcase interesting and innovative playgrounds from around the world.

Format

  • Discussion
  • Lecture

Age

  • 13-15

What

The possible connections with your curriculum

  • Design
  • Geography
  • Science

Who

The people who take up the teacher role

  • Expert

Where

The locations where learning takes place

  • Classroom
  • Digital space

With

The community stakeholders to collaborate with

  • Families

Ready for action?

Resources

Tangible Resources

Note paper and pen.

Human Resources

Landscape architect (parent).

Preparation

Using parental links, find a landscape architect who deals with areas related to the planning of public spaces such as playgrounds, arrange a meeting and coordinate expectations, prepare students for the meeting ensuring they have thought of questions.

Goals, messages & concepts

Specific goals

  • Strengthen the bond between the school and the parents of the students.
  • Get to know a landscape architect; understand what they do during their working day and how the profession is related to STEM.
  • Understand that every urban public space is planned and developed by planning bodies using landscape architects who consider all environmental aspects.
  • Learn interesting and innovative approaches to designing playgrounds.

Specific messages

  • A landscape architect must take into account all the elements related to the environment, such as type of vegetation, shade, accessibility, and connection to urban surroundings.

Main terms

  • Landscape architecture
  • Public space

Practices & skills

STEM practices

  • Asking questions and defining problems

Soft skills

-

Management skills

-

Course of activity

step 1

Before the session, students will prepare questions relating to landscape architecture.

step 2

Students will meet with an expert who will deliver a lecture about their job as a landscape architect and how it relates to STEM by considering all elements related to the environment, such as type of vegetation, shade, accessibility, and connection to urban surroundings and material choices.

step 3

Students will then ask questions.