Outside the Classroom Window

Students record initial observations in the garden through journals, video and still photography. First recordings include: soil conditions rainfall, temperature, daylight and darkness, any other aspects and sightings in the garden. (Pests, animals, debris, compost, insects, etc)

During the week, groups of students make observations and recordings.

Once every 7 days on a rotating schedule, students record the garden growth and changes. For instance, in Autumn, garden life begins to shut down, change color and appearance, produce seed, fruit and root growth.
There is always change in the garden, even under the soil throughout the winter. Each season new animals come to visit the garden beds and leftovers.

Discuss how even leaving the seed heads and stalks and grasses in the fall allows many other forms of life to thrive aside from what we originally planted.

Develop a graph showing the curve and relationship between moisture and growth, temperature and growth. Sunlight and growth or fruit production.

Add commercially bought nutrients to one part of garden. Photograph and record difference in test group.
Add compost to one part of garden. Record difference.
Add worm castings to one part of garden. Record differences.

Compare all three types of outdoor classroom additions to soil. Test, weigh, examine the soil up close using students' suggestions.

Older students may even use soil testing kits for acidity and mineral tests.