Green Fingers: Plants and Practical Gardening Skills
In this workshop, children will have the opportunity to explore the gardens to learn about a variety of plants/flowers and what they need to grow. They will learn how to identify and classify plants, as well as acquiring a range of practical gardening skills, including seed/bulb identification, potting and taking cuttings. Children will leave understanding how to be a good gardener by having learnt how to support the basic needs of plants/flowers in the natural environment and a basic appreciation of sustainability by having made their own biodegradable plant pots. This workshop is hands on, engaging and directly supports several statutory requirements of study in the National Curriculum for Science, Mathematics and PSHE.
Course details
| Theme/Topic: |
‘Green Fingers’ – Plants and Practical Gardening Skills
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| Location: |
Tatton Park Gardens
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| Length: |
90 minutes
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| Available: |
April, May, June, July & September
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| Age Recommendation: |
Key Stage 1 (5 – 7 years old) & Key Stage 2 (7 – 11 years old)
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| Curriculum Links: |
Science, Mathematics, PSHE
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| Session Plan Produced: |
Feb. 17, Laura Armitage (Learning & Visitor Services Manager)
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Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes
| Aim | Outcome |
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1. To understand plants/flowers basic needs for survival
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“Find out and describe how plants need water, light and sustainable temperature to grow and stay healthy” - Science
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2. To identify and classify plants/flowers in their environment
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“Identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants” “Explore and use classification to group, identify and name a variety of living things” - Science
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3. To consider different types of seeds and bulbs and how they develop into different plants/flowers
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“Observe and describe how seeds and bulbs grow into mature plants” - Science
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4. To understand the life cycle of a plant
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“Introduction to pollination, seed formation and seed dispersal” - Science
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5. To name and understand the function of different parts of the plant/flower and the role they play in its survival
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“Identify and describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants: roots, stem/trunk, leaves and flowers” - Science
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Group Size:
This programme can accommodate 12-90 children. If you have a larger group, we are happy to discuss a bespoke timetable with you.
Activities:
The programme will be mainly held outside (weather depending), so our team make a final decision about specific activities on the morning of the event. However, the main themes of the workshop are:
- Life cycle of a plant: an introduction to pollination, seed formation and seed dispersal (as per curriculum), what is a plant – identifying different types of plants/flowers and their parts – how is the life cycle different based on the type of plant, links made to seasonality, flowering periods, impact of winter on plants etc.
- What plants need to grow: how to make a good environment for plants/flowers, some discussion of pruning/weeding etc (see below), access to light/water/room to grow/nutrients – what is a good/bad place for a plant to be situated
- Practical gardening skills: cuttings (what is a cutting, how to take a cutting, how a cutting can be used), what tools to use for gardening, how to be a good gardener (cleaning of tools, pruning, cleaning, weeding etc).
Our advice is to wear sensible shoes, dress warmly and for the weather. Remember - we will be outdoors for the majority of the workshop!
Booking:
Make an enquiry using our Schools Enquiry form or contact us to discuss your requirements at tattoneducation@cheshireeast.gov.uk / 01625 374428.
Risk Assessment:
Information about risk assessments and our health and safety procedures for this workshop.