Activity
Build a Vertical Herb Garden
Social Studies:
Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Outcomes and Experiences
SOC 2-08a: I can discuss the environmental impact of human activity and suggest ways in which we can live in a more environmentally-responsible way.
SOC 3-08a: I can identify the possible consequences of an environmental issue and make informed suggestions about ways to manage the impact
Science:
SCN 2-02b: Through carrying out practical activities and investigations, I can show how plants have benefited society
Numeracy:
MNU 2-11a: I can use my knowledge of the sizes of familiar objects or places to assist me when making an estimate of measure.
MNU 3-11a: I can solve practical problems by applying my knowledge of measure, choosing the appropriate units and degree of accuracy for the task
Duration
Materials 1 class period
Copy of A Window Into Outdoors pages 6 - 11
2 litre plastic bottles (1 per child or pair)
Compost
Herb seeds
Pens/pencils
Paper
Masking/duct tape
Scissors
Craft materials
String/rope
Craft knife/scissors
Activity Instructions
1.Introduction: “Today we are going to be talking about vertical farming in agriculture”.
2 “Can anyone guess what I might mean by ‘vertical farming” write answers on the board, prompt them to think about what the two words mean separately‘vertical’ and ‘farming’.
3. “ Vertical farming is a method where you can grow crops in vertically stacked layers (stacked upwards) in a controlled environment, can anyone think why this might be a good idea?”
Reduces land use
Reduces water use - most utilise hydroponic, aeroponic or aquaponic systems that recirculate water within a closed loop which can use up to 98% LESS water than traditional farming
Can provide fresh produce nearer to urban areas which reduces food miles
Minimises transportation costs
Year round production - as they operate in controlled indoor environments they are unaffected by external weather
Increased food security
4.Activity: Build a Vertical Herb Garden. Split your pupils into groups and ask them to read pages 6 -7 of A Window into Outdoors
5.Explain to the pupils that in their pairs they are going to create their own simplified version of a vertical farm.
Instructions 6. Instructions:
a Give each group 1 X 2 litre bottle of juice or soda per child or per pair depending on your resources
b Either pre-cut or allow the pupils (depending on age and ability) to cut a large rectangular hole along one side of the bottle and cover the edges with masking tape or duct tape to prevent cuts and scratches.
c.Use a pair of scissors to create 3 or 4 drainage holes in the bottom of each bottle. This can be done by the teacher in advance or by the pupils on the day (depending on their age and ability).
d.Ask each group to come up with a theme for their vertical farm and instruct them to decorate their bottles, remind them they are a team so their bottles should link to each other in some way.
e Ask each group to lay their bottles in a line horizontally with the hole to the top and leave 40 cm between each bottle.
f.Now tie the bottles together using string/rope.
g.Ask each group to fill their bottles roughly half way with soil/compost and plant their herb seeds, sprinkling a thin layer of soil over the top.
h.Now hang your vertical farm, preferably outdoors (although this can be done indoors if you place a drip tray below to catch the water).
i.Ask the pupil to water their plants starting at the top so they can see how the excess water will drain through to water the plant below it.
7. Wrap Up: Ask the pupils:
To tell you why we said vertical farming was a good idea as the start of the session. How do they think they should look after their herbs - remind them to water when needed.
What do they think they should do with their herbs once they are grown.