Horticulture: Environmental Problems and Solutions
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 2-02a: I can use my knowledge of the interactions and energy flow between plants and animals in ecosystems, food chains and webs
SCN 3-02a: I can demonstrate my understanding of why plants are vital to sustaining life on Earth.
SCN 3-05b: I can explain some of the processes which contribute to climate change and discuss the possible impact of atmospheric change on the survival of living things.
Duration Materials 20 min
Copy of A Window Into Outdoors pages 30 - 35
Horticulture Problem Cards
Horticulture Solution Cards
Pencils, coloured pencils, or pens
Optional: Small sticky notes or scrap paper for quick ideas
www scotland lantra co uk/schools P7 - S2 August 2025 Edition
Activity Instructions
1 Introduction: Explain you are going to be talking about Horticulture. Ask them what they think Horticulture is and why it might be important.
2 Ask the pupils to read pages 30 - 35 of A Window into Outdoors
3.Activity: Environmental Problems and Solutions. Split the pupils into small teams
4.Instructions:
Hand out the "Challenge Cards and Solutions Cards. "In your groups (3-4 pupils), you'll receive two sets of cards: 'Environmental Problem' cards and 'Horticultural Solution' cards. Your mission is to cut out the cards and match each challenge with the best horticultural solution."
"Once you've made a match, discuss in your group: how does that specific horticultural solution help solve that environmental challenge?" Once you groups have finished the task discuss the answers as a whole class.
5.Wrap-Up: “What was one new thing you learned today about Horticulture?”
The Environment
Cut out the cards below and match them with the correct solution card.
Problem Cards
Increased Carbon Dioxide (CO ) in the Air:
2
This gas traps heat and causes climate change.
Soil Washing Away (Erosion):
When soil isn't protected, wind and rain can wash it away, making it hard for plants to grow.
Loss of Wildlife Homes and Food:
Many animals (like bees and birds) are losing places to live and find food.
Need for Healthy Food Production:
How do we grow enough healthy food for everyone without damaging the planet?
Urban Heat Islands:
Cities can get much hotter than surrounding areas because of concrete and buildings.
The Environment
Cut out the cards below and match them with the correct challenge card.
Solution Cards
Growing Cover Crops and Using Plant Roots:
Plants hold soil together and prevent it from eroding.
Developing Green Roofs and Vertical Gardens:
Plants on buildings can cool urban areas and create green space.
Sustainable Farming and Community Gardens:
Growing food locally using eco-friendly methods.
Planting More Trees and Forests:
Trees absorb CO and release oxygen.
Creating Wildflower Meadows and Gardens:
Provides nectar for pollinators and habitats for wildlife.
The Environment Answers
1. Increased Carbon Dioxide (CO ) in the air matches with Planting More Trees and Forests
Explanation: Plants, especially trees, are nature's carbon capture machines. Through a process called photosynthesis, they take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into their own food (sugars), releasing vital oxygen as a byproduct. The more trees and forests we have, the more CO2 is removed from the air, helping to reduce the greenhouse effect and combat climate change.
2. Loss of Wildlife Homes and Food matches with Creating Wildflower Meadows and Gardens
Explanation: Modern landscapes often lack the diverse plants that native wildlife needs. Horticulture, through creating wildflower meadows, pollinator-friendly gardens, and planting native shrubs and trees, directly provides crucial food sources (nectar, pollen, seeds) and safe habitats (shelter, nesting sites) for insects like bees and butterflies, as well as birds and small mammals, thereby boosting local biodiversity.
3.Soil Washing Away (Erosion) matches with Growing Cover Crops and Using Plant Roots
Explanation: Bare soil is vulnerable to erosion by wind and rain. Horticultural practices like planting cover crops (plants grown specifically to cover the soil) or simply ensuring that garden beds are always planted help enormously. The extensive root systems of plants act like a net, binding the soil particles together and anchoring them in place, preventing them from being washed or blown away. This preserves the valuable topsoil.
The Environment Answers
4. Need for Healthy Food Production matches with Sustainable Farming and Community Gardens
Explanation: Horticulture plays a direct role in food security. Sustainable farming methods focus on growing food in ways that don't harm the environment, such as reducing chemical use, conserving water, and building healthy soil. Community gardens are a great example of local, sustainable horticulture, allowing people to grow fresh food, reduce food miles (transportation), and connect with nature, all while contributing to food security.
5. Urban Heat Islands matches with Developing Green Roofs and Vertical Gardens
Explanation: Concrete and tarmac in cities absorb and store heat, making urban areas significantly hotter than rural ones –this is the "urban heat island effect." Horticultural solutions like green roofs (roofs covered with plants) and vertical gardens (plants growing on walls) help combat this. The plants absorb sunlight (reducing heat absorption), provide shade, and release moisture into the air through transpiration, which has a cooling effect on the surrounding environment. They also improve air quality and provide new green spaces.
