30 minutes Write a system for It is important for students to have some variety in how they caring for their care for their plants. If everyone has the same system it is plant. likely that the results will all be the same. Some students may need support with the written aspect of this section a simple flow chart could be used to develop — knowledge. Section 3. Observation log Students need Maintain an Ensure safety considerations are enforced when students several weeks to observation log their systems. enact their system relating to the care If some plants wilt, die or flourish, this is an opportunity for of care for their of their plant. students to reflect on system and its effectiveness. plant. Reflect and seek It is not the purpose of this assessment to have perfect plants feedback the but rather that students learn that systems influence plant way. growth for better or worse. Section 4. Check your system Part 1 Consider their The review should only happen after a reasonable period of system and time (e.g. 3-4 weeks). If students wish to change their system 30 minutes suggest possible prior to the teacher implementing this section of the improvements. assessment, they should note their changes in the log. Part 2 Answer reflection Read through the questions giving students time to answer. questions and then 10–20 minutes Discussion could firstly be with a peer and then with a larger discuss learning group or the whole class. with their peers. Resources for the assessment A variety of pots of different sizes Potting mix, fertiliser, gravel, dirt, sand Tools trowels, spades, forks, spoons, gloves, watering containers (small and large) — Mix of vegetable seeds and quick growing annual flower seeds or seedlings Tags for pots identify student and seed type — Insect screen Stakes Water Websites for health and safety information Technology (2003) sourcebook guidelines (PDF) includes comprehensive safety guidelines in Appendix B. This document can be found on the Queensland Studies Authority website at: <http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/syllabus/842.html>. Department of Education Manual contains instructions on safety practices in the classroom. Available to EQ schools only at: <http://education.qld.gov.au/corporate/doem>.
30 minutes Write a system for caring for their plant. It is important for students to have some variety in how they care for their plants. If everyone has the same system it is likely that the results will all be the same. Some students may need support with the written aspect of this section — a simple flow chart could be used to develop knowledge. Section 3. Observation log Students need several weeks to enact their system of care for their plant. Maintain an observation log relating to the care of their plant. Reflect and seek feedback the way. Ensure safety considerations are enforced when students their systems. If some plants wilt, die or flourish, this is an opportunity for students to reflect on system and its effectiveness. It is not the purpose of this assessment to have perfect plants but rather that students learn that systems influence plant growth for better or worse. Section 4. Check your system Part 1 30 minutes Consider their system and suggest possible improvements. The review should only happen after a reasonable period of time (e.g. 3-4 weeks). If students wish to change their system prior to the teacher implementing this section of the assessment, they should note their changes in the log. Part 2 10–20 minutes Answer reflection questions and then discuss learning with their peers. Read through the questions giving students time to answer. Discussion could firstly be with a peer and then with a larger group or the whole class. Resources for the assessment A variety of pots of different sizes Potting mix, fertiliser, gravel, dirt, sand Tools — trowels, spades, forks, spoons, gloves, watering containers (small and large) Mix of vegetable seeds and quick growing annual flower seeds or seedlings Tags for pots — identify student and seed type Insect screen Stakes Water Websites for health and safety information Technology (2003) sourcebook guidelines (PDF) includes comprehensive safety guidelines in Appendix B. This document can be found on the Queensland Studies Authority website at: <http://www.qsa.qld.edu.au/syllabus/842.html>. Department of Education Manual contains instructions on safety practices in the classroom. Available to EQ schools only at: <http://education.qld.gov.au/corporate/doem>.
els_sa_little_green_thumbs_guide.docx