This activity introduces the community garden watering solutions case and the charge to propose an urban garden plan for a vacant lot of 100 X 80 feet. Problems associated with the case involve creating a plan to maintain the garden. Secondary problems include determining how to clean up pollution, determining what to plant seasonally, helping the garden become self-sufficient, and so forth. During this activity, Double-O STEM Club agents will identify and describe the main problem presented in the video, discuss possible solutions with peers, formulate research questions based on the identified problem(s) and prior knowledge.

Materials

• This case
• Notebooks and writing instruments for each agent to document ideas and questions
• Computer with LCD projector/television display
• Tool to capture agent ideas (easel pad, whiteboard, computer)
• Websites with examples of urban gardens
  • Memphis Botanic Garden
  • Urban Earth Memphis
  • We Are Memphis

Setup

This activity includes whole-class and group discussion. Set up an area that allows the librarian to introduce the case and share examples via internet websites. Provide agents with notebooks and writing instruments and encourage them to capture ideas (through words and illustrations) as they work on this case. Allow agents to brainstorm problems associated with the case and questions that may require additional research. Capture main ideas on a whiteboard, easel pad, or other medium. Be sure to ask agents if there are aspects of other cases they have completed that might apply in this case.

Different plants grow well in different seasons. Some plants like cabbage and peas grow well in cooler weather. Others, like melons and tomatoes, thrive in warmer weather. Double-O STEM Club agents will research the growing seasons of fruits and vegetables that they are interested in growing. Share findings with the group. Then have agents develop a plan to grow different plants during the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons.

Materials

• Note taking tools for each agent (e.g., notebook, pencil)
• Computers with internet access for individuals or small groups
• Resources to capture brainstorming ideas and questions (e.g., easel pad, computer with LCD projector
• Library circulation materials suitable for community gardening

Setup

This activity includes group discussion and individual research. Prior to the lesson, set up a seating arrangement that allows for whole class and small group discussion. Also setup resources to capture agent ideas/questions so that all agents can view postings easily. Ensure that agents will have easy access to library catalogues and other search tools.

As individuals or in small groups, have Double-O STEM Club agents create a scale drawing of the gardens, paths, compost areas, tool storage, and other areas in their 100 x 80 square-foot space. The drawing should include a corresponding key to indicate where gardening features (e.g., raised beds, pots, vertical planting, trellises) will be placed in the space. Agents should present their plans to other agents and incorporate feedback and additional ideas into future plans. 

Things to instruct agents to consider when creating their drawings include:

• What garden beds will you use?
• How will those spaces receive water and sunlight?
• What garden structures might be useful to store and maintain tools, protect plants, and extend growing seasons (e.g., raised beds, green houses, storage sheds, plant cages)?

Present your plan to other agents and incorporate feedback and additional ideas into future plans. 

Materials

• Urban garden examples (visual)
• Engineering or graph paper or computer software for each agent
• Writing instruments (e.g., pen, pencil)
• Rulers, straight edges, protractors, compasses
• Agent notebooks to record ideas
• Tools to project agent work (e.g., document camera, smartphone camera, computer, LCD screen)

Setup

Focus the seating arrangement so agents have space to draw but can still see each other in classroom and small group discussions. Place writing instruments in a central location where agents can get them on an as-needed basis. However, this activity also includes small and whole-group discussion. Make sure the seating arrangement allows for whole and small group discussion.

During this activity, Double-O STEM Club agents will use modeling clay and cardboard to create slightly sloped landscapes similar to the community garden case (and any plans developed in previous activities). They will then create irrigation and drainage systems in the clay (with toothpicks, nails, and other instruments) to reroute water. As they experiment, observe, and record the results, agents will improve their models and compare them with other individual/group models.

Materials

• Modeling clay
• Cardboard/plastic sections (like cutting boards) to act as a foundation to clay models 
• Toothpicks, ice pop/crafting sticks, nails, and other instruments to make irrigation systems and develop gardening structures (e.g., out building, raised bed models) 
• Plastic bucket to contain water drainage during testing
• water
• Agent notebooks to record ideas and compost measurements (e.g., temperature, moisture)
• Camera to take pictures.

Setup

This hands-on activity focuses on modeling drainage and irrigation systems for use in the garden area. You may either prep the landscapes in advance (providing agents with a slightly sloped landscape with modeling clay) or have agents build their own as part of the activity. Regardless, you will need two settings: a location where individuals and teams can work on their models and another area where they can test them. Remember that once tested, models will be wet, making refinements potentially messy.  Thus, set up the area in a space that allows for easy demonstration and clean-up. Use table or drop cloths, or go outside to facilitate clean-up. Take pictures of the activity!

Near the end of this case, Double-O STEM Club agents will showcase their work (plans, composters, seedlings, data analyses). Agents will describe their proposed garden area and structures, the design decisions used to develop them, how testing and reflection improved their product, and how they would continue to perfect the model if given the opportunity. Presentations can be given live, video recorded and uploaded online, written and illustrated, or a combination of these approaches. Use this session to celebrate accomplishments and creative thinking.

Materials

• Agent plans, composters, seedlings and so forth
• Photographs and video captured from prior sessions
• Agent notebooks to remember ideas and further reflect
• Presentation tools (e.g., easel pads, presentation software)
• Celebration Materials (e.g., party noise makers, confetti, banners)
• Computers for agents to develop presentations (as applicable)
• LCD projector (as applicable) to project presentations

Setup

Prior to the lesson, set up a seating arrangement that allows for whole and small group discussion around group presentations. Make sure to decorate the presentation space with celebration materials. Provide agents with their work. Also provide tools for groups to develop a short presentation about their work. You may want to set up a poster session and split the groups in half to present and attend the presentation.