Teaching Tips

• This lesson shows the connection between natural ecosystems and human-made gardens, including the benefit of gardens on ecological processes.

About the Content

• In this lesson, students learn about the parts of an ecosystem using a garden (that could be virtual) as a model. Students learn about the various functions within the ecosystem that all work together to filter rainwater, provide habitat, reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, improve soil, and produce food.
• The purpose of this lesson is to teach students the ecological functions found in any natural system and model how these functions are performed by a natural area like a garden.
• Students investigate some of the ecological functions of a garden ecosystem and model how they operate and cooperate to form a living system, and then students use a digital design tool to assess the ecological productivity of a natural area and design a virtual garden to enhance its ecological productivity.
• Background materials are extensive, and extension activities allow for more exploration.
• Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

• This lesson follows a natural progression, beginning with background information, vocabulary, and videos that culminate in a student activity where they are able to design and label their own gardens.
• This lesson engages many different learning styles. Videos allow students to make comparisons and understand learning outcomes. The second lesson allows students to understand the material by allowing students to explore and design using a virtual garden planner. This lesson is easy to follow and has enough background/reference material for students to research and understand. The sequence and organization are designed well.
• Students can engage in this large project easily. This includes group work and hands-on planning of gardens, making connections with food webs, viewing videos to make connections between gardens and other ecosystems, and a virtual garden design tool. The multiple different ways that students are getting this information will help build connections and understand the lesson.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

• This lesson is accessible to students and teachers. The virtual garden may need some technical skills, but the tutorial is easy enough to understand.

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