For this project, you will create a food garden for your family at your home. When you have reaped a harvest, you will share your produce with those in need of fresh produce. When you have proven that you have gardening skills to share, you will share with others in your community how to create and maintain their own food garden.
This is meant to be an independent project. Because you will be doing this without a teacher or adult supervisor, you will need to be very responsible about documenting your hours and the work that you did. Get the approval of a teacher who will support you in this project and grant you the hours if you meet the objectives.
Preparation Instruction:
Survey family members to see what types of fruits and vegetables they would like to eat more of that can be grown on Guam. Decide based on typez of plants what kind of space you are going to need. Decide whether it is going to be a raised bed, container garden or smaller windowsill planter.
Purchase or find items that can be recycled and used for your garden. Purchase garden soil from a store or see if you have sufficient soil around your home. Buy or obtain seeds, seedlings or cuttings for plants you wish to grow. Search as much information about the plants you selected so you will know how far apart, and how much space each plant needs and whether it is a vine plant or a tree.
We suggest you (optional):
- Take a tour at Island Girl Power on Saturday at 9 am
- Ask to learn more about our Community Garden
- Research different ways to make a garden online or at the library.
Activity Instruction:
Document your entire process by taking pictures including, start, growth, harvest, cooking, sharing, and then teaching another person.
After learning how to start a garden, and your soil is prepared, plant your seeds, starters, or cuttings.
After plants are put down into the soil, be sure to water every 2 to 3 days, regardless of light, showery rain.
Check frequently to make sure chickens and bugs are not damaging your plants. Think ahead and talk to family members to see what kind of family meals can be made from your produce.
From your research, you will be able to know when it is the best time for harvesting.
Remember to find a family who you know needs fresh produce. Either share the raw produce with them, or create a dish to share with them.
Teach someone else how to start their own garden.
Reflection Instruction:
In order to earn service learning hours, a reflection needs to be turned into a teacher who can input the hours into Power School. You need to address: What did you do? What did you learn? How was this an example of public service? What character traits did I develop by doing this project? How did I feel about growing my own food for my family and for other people in need of fresh produce? How did I feel about teaching someone else how to garden?
Learning Standards/Objectives:
Teach youth to do research, survey family members, think about the plants and type of garden you will have. Research about proper care for plants and what meals can be made when it is time to harvest.
Science Standard 2: Life Science: Students understand the diversity and unity of living organisms, the living environment, and principles of ecology.
BI.2.22 Understand and describe how organisms (your plants) are influenced by a particular combination of living and nonliving components of the environment (sun, water, fertilizer, etc.).
Social Studies Standard 4: Government and Civics: Students learn to achieve civic competence by studying the structures of power, authority, and governance.
AG.4.16 Practice personal character traits that facilitate thoughtful and effective participation in civic life, including thefollowing:
• Responsibility, accountability, and self-reliance
AG.4.17: Explain the importance of thoughtful and effective participation in civic life, including the following:
• Performing public service
Organization/Agency/Business Name: Island Girl Power
