Community Garden Design: A Mathematical Adventure
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use multiplication and division to design a community garden that maximizes space and provides a variety of vegetables for our community?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can we divide the garden space equally for different vegetables?
- How do we calculate the area needed for each type of plant?
- How can multiplication and division help us plan our garden layout?
- What is the best way to organize the garden to maximize space and yield?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Calculate the area of the garden and individual plots using multiplication.
- Divide the garden space to accommodate various vegetables.
- Apply multiplication and division to optimize garden layout.
- Use part-whole strategies to solve real-life mathematical problems related to garden design.
Teacher Provided
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mysterious Empty Lot
Students are presented with a photo of a neglected empty lot in their community and a letter from the city council asking for design proposals to turn it into a community garden. This sparks curiosity about how math can transform spaces and benefit the community.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Garden Area Explorers
Students will begin by exploring the concept of area and practicing multiplication to calculate the total area of the community garden space. This activity lays the foundation for understanding how much space is available for planting.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA diagram showing the dimensions of the garden and the calculated total area.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 3.PAR.3 by introducing multiplication for area calculation in a real-life context.Plot Division Planners
Students will divide the total garden area into smaller plots for different vegetables, using division to ensure each plot is an appropriate size. This activity reinforces division skills and introduces the concept of equal distribution.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed garden layout plan showing the division of plots and the area allocated to each vegetable type.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 3.PAR.3 by applying division to divide the garden space into equal plots.Vegetable Area Allocators
Students will determine the specific area needed for each vegetable type based on planting requirements. This activity connects real-world needs with mathematical problem-solving, reinforcing both multiplication and division skills.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA revised garden layout plan with adjusted plot sizes based on the specific area requirements of each vegetable.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 3.PAR.3 by using multiplication to calculate area requirements and adjusting divisions based on real-world constraints.Optimal Garden Organizers
Students will optimize the garden layout to maximize space and yield, considering factors like sunlight and plant compatibility. This activity promotes critical thinking and problem-solving using mathematical concepts.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA final garden design proposal with a written justification of the layout choices, demonstrating an understanding of area, division, and real-world constraints.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 3.PAR.3 by integrating multiple mathematical concepts (multiplication, division) and real-world problem-solving into the garden design.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioCommunity Garden Design Rubric
Area Calculation and Measurement
Assesses the accurate calculation of the total garden area using multiplication.Accuracy of Area Calculation
Measures the precision in calculating the total garden area using multiplication.
Exemplary
4 PointsAccurately calculates the total area with precise measurements and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of multiplication.
Proficient
3 PointsCalculates the total area with accurate measurements and demonstrates a thorough understanding of multiplication.
Developing
2 PointsCalculates the total area with minor inaccuracies in measurements or multiplication, showing an emerging understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to accurately calculate the total area due to significant errors in measurements or multiplication, indicating an initial understanding.
Use of Units
Measures the correct use of units (e.g., square feet, square meters) when calculating and reporting area.
Exemplary
4 PointsConsistently and correctly uses appropriate units in all area calculations and clearly labels them, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of measurement principles.
Proficient
3 PointsCorrectly uses and labels appropriate units in area calculations, demonstrating a solid understanding of measurement.
Developing
2 PointsUses appropriate units in some area calculations but may have inconsistencies or omissions in labeling.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to use appropriate units in area calculations or omits them entirely, indicating a limited understanding of measurement.
Plot Division and Area Allocation
Assesses the ability to divide the garden space into plots and allocate area appropriately using division and multiplication.Accuracy of Plot Division
Measures the precision in dividing the total area into smaller plots for different vegetables using division.
Exemplary
4 PointsDivides the garden space into plots with exceptional accuracy, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of division and proportional reasoning to maximize space and effectively accommodate different vegetable needs.
Proficient
3 PointsDivides the garden space into plots with accurate calculations, demonstrating a thorough understanding of division.
Developing
2 PointsDivides the garden space into plots with minor inaccuracies in calculations, showing an emerging understanding of division.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to divide the garden space accurately, indicating an initial understanding of division.
Appropriateness of Area Allocation
Evaluates whether the area allocated to each vegetable type is appropriate based on its planting requirements.
Exemplary
4 PointsAllocates area to each vegetable type with a keen understanding of their specific needs, demonstrating exceptional insight into optimizing growing conditions and efficiently managing available space.
Proficient
3 PointsAllocates area to each vegetable type appropriately, demonstrating a clear understanding of their planting requirements.
Developing
2 PointsAllocates area to each vegetable type with some consideration of their planting requirements, but may have minor inconsistencies.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to allocate appropriate area to each vegetable type, indicating a limited understanding of their planting requirements.
Layout Optimization and Justification
Assesses the ability to optimize the garden layout and provide a justification based on mathematical calculations and practical considerations.Optimization of Garden Layout
Measures how well the garden layout is optimized considering factors like sunlight, water access, and plant compatibility.
Exemplary
4 PointsOptimizes the garden layout with exceptional creativity and foresight, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the interplay between environmental factors, plant needs, and efficient space utilization to create a thriving ecosystem.
Proficient
3 PointsOptimizes the garden layout effectively, considering factors like sunlight, water access, and plant compatibility.
Developing
2 PointsOptimizes the garden layout with some consideration of factors like sunlight, water access, and plant compatibility, but may have minor oversights.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to optimize the garden layout, showing limited consideration of factors like sunlight, water access, and plant compatibility.
Justification of Layout Decisions
Evaluates the quality and clarity of the justification for the layout decisions, based on mathematical calculations and practical considerations.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a compelling and insightful justification for all layout decisions, integrating mathematical calculations, practical considerations, and a nuanced understanding of ecological principles to demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and logical justification for the layout decisions, based on mathematical calculations and practical considerations.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a justification for some layout decisions, but may lack clarity or sufficient mathematical or practical support.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to provide a clear justification for the layout decisions, showing limited use of mathematical calculations or practical considerations.