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Unit/Topic: Can we dig it? Farm Excursion Lesson # 4
ELA Year Level: P Focus: Investigating the Natural World: Investigating and communicating understanding about phenomena in the natural world. |
Lesson Objectives:
(5 domains)
This lesson is a guided exploration of a real organic farm where children can explore the life cycles of fruit and vegetables in the natural environment. Children will participate in simple investigations with soil, make predictions and observations and suggest ways to gather information. With support or in discussions children will share personal understandings, observations and comments about the natural world. Their likes and dislikes will be challenged and reassessed as they learn the workings of the farm and life cycles of fruit and veg
Lesson Structure:
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Time |
Introduction: Teaching Strategies |
Adjustments for the needs of learners (Differentiation) |
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8:00 8:15 8:30
9:00 |
Meet at the bus stop Roll call Depart for Conondale “The Naked Carrot” organic farm Meet Jim: Introduction to the farm. Rules of the day
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Whole class
Divide into groups (of 4 )with an adult or teacher in charge. |
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Time |
Main Content: Teaching Strategies
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Adjustments for the needs of learners (Differentiation) |
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9:15
9:45
10:15
10:35
11:05
11:30
12:00
12:30 |
Investigating soil – children can handle soil, compost and worms. Investigate drainage with water – ask questions, discuss observations and make comments Morning tea Planting seeds. Discuss, ask questions, comment, experiment. What seeds will you choose? What season is it? What will grow? Will it grow BIG or small? What do I need to make my seed grow? Importance of sun, rain, temperature. Tour of gardens What vegetable is this? What is it growing on? How long will it take? Does it need food? Do other animals and bugs eat them before they are ready? Threats to the crop. Bug hunt Identify bugs and what they do What else might stop the fruit and veg from growing well? Weather, disease. How do we fix these problems? Crop protection, rotation, inter-planting, good bugs, healthy soil. Lunch When can I harvest? Harvest small patch of potatoes or carrots. Are they heavy or light? Pack produce into a box ready for the farmers market. Where do you take the fruit and veg you grow? Who buys it? What would you grow if you were a farmer? |
Use different containers with drainage holes for physical experimentation.
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Everyone can have a go at planting their own seed.
Insect catchers |
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Time |
Conclusion: (teaching strategies) |
Differentiation |
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1:30
2:00
2:30 |
Reflect on the day. Ask any questions to Jim What do you think a farmer does? Do you think the vegetables in the supermarket go through the same process? What sort of a farmer would you like to be? Did you have fun? Thank you to Jim Board the bus Back to school
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Whole class |
Resources
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Application for excursion to head of school/principal Book Naked Carrot with Jim Hunt. Discuss content. Consent form Camera
Zip lock sample bags. Boxes for seedlings to take back to classroom Bug catchers for catch and release
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Safety Considerations/Materials
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First aid box Hats, sunscreen, bug repellent, tissues, spare underwear, spare shorts Parent helpers School mobile phone Role – list of allergies, health issues
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Assessment
Photo evidence of participation, interacting with environment, exploring soil, seeds, vegetables and harvesting. Anecdotal observations through the day.
Document new ideas, questions asked, connections made, shared understanding, predictions, observations from the child, modelled behaviour and collection of evidence from the environment.
