Back Lake Mary Charter

Students in Pre-Kindergarten will observe and record the growth cycle of plants in hydroponics and soil based gardening.
Students in Kindergarten will conduct experiments and participate in learning how to set-up and grow various plants by way of
hydroponic gardening and soil based gardening. Students will record growth rates and plant yield through time-lapse video and
logging measurements and production. Students will learn the benefits and/or disadvantages of growing their own produce with
and without the use of soil and using alternative rnethods of replacing nutrients.

1. The Way to Grow project is innovative in that it teaches kindergarteners alternative methods to growing
plants. Teachers in elementary generally teach the life cycle of plants through traditional ways of
growing plants. By teaching and comparing new methods along with traditional methods we will
challenge our younger students to think of ways other things can be improved upon or done differently.

2. Standards
K.MD 1: Describe measurable attributes of objects, such as length or weight. Describe several measurable attributes of a
single object.
K.MD 2: Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common to see which object has "more of"/"less of"
the attribute, and describe the difference.
SC.K.N.1.1: Collaborate with a partner to collect information
SC.K.N.1.3: Keep records as appropriate-such as pictorial records-of investigations conducted
SC.K.N.l.S: Recognize that learning can come from careful observation
SS.K.E.l.ln.d: Identify basic needs, such as food and clothing.
SS.K.E.l.Pa.d: Recognize a basic need, such as food or clothing.
LA.K.G.l.ln.a: Identify information in pictures and symbols.
LA.K.6.2.1n.a: Ask about a topic of interest and recognize the teacher as an information source.
LA.K.6.2.1n.b: Use information from pictures and symbols to answer questions.
LA.K.6.2.1n.c: Contribute information for a simple report where the teacher is the scribe.
The project fits into our Science and Math curricula as it addresses the life cycle of plants and using measurement to
compare growth. It fits into the Reading/language arts as it addresses using information and preparing a report.

3. The project will encourage long-lasting change in the classroom and community as it will provide a bridge to learning by
connecting with professionals who will mentor and encourage students to explore ways to improving the environment
by using sustainable methods of growing.

4. Technology utilized will provide visual records and comparisons of the growth of plants in each environment. It will also
serve as a way to document progress via charts and/or spreadsheets.

5. Student gain will be evidenced through teacher observation, students' work and assessment.

6. Students will share project results with the community by posting pictures, videos and results on their classroom web
site and local media.