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All the educational resources
for Down-To-Earth are included in a three-ring notebook. The module is a complete,
easy-to-follow guide for completing a Down-To-Earth project. Each of the concept sections
contains an objective, expected learner competencies and subject information that provide
the facilitator with essential background knowledge to help children focus on the key
topics and desired outcomes. Breaking Ground
Wondering what Down-To-Earth is all about? Find out what the program can do for youth
educators and student in this section.
Digging
Deeper
Want a fun way to introduce the steps included in the scientific method? This jigsaw
activity allows subgroups to become experts in a particular piece of the scientific
method. Afterwards, these new experts come together and the complete the scientific method
puzzle.
Earth
Connections
Here's where you'll find the Activity Guide for learners to use in planning their
Down-To-Earth experiments. It not only gives them step-by-step instructions for setting up
their Down-To-Earth experiments, it also offers examples, through a fictitious scenario,
which will help them jump-start their imaginations and develop an understanding of the
scientific method in a fun way.
Tools for
Growing
The three primary steps for this section are:
1. Raised Bed Construction
So you want to plant a garden but the ground is too hard? See one way to get started
growing things. Learn how to take advantage of limited space surroundings. See what
materials are needed to establish manageable plots.
2. Pointers on Preparing the Site
Once you've reached this stage of the project, you're through the hardest part. Now
discover what's needed to get your seeds growing. You have to do a little planting to get
the most out of your garden. There's also a listing of key pointers for improving the
success of your learning experience.
3. Getting the Garden Growing
Although the best method for a Down-To-Earth experiment is a trio of raised bed gardens,
it's possible to use cedar bed barrel planters. Find out about both options, and get a
complete materials list.
Cultivating
Success (The Scientific Method)
A Down-To-Earth garden project doesn't necessarily require shovels, hoes or any of the
other tools conventional gardens require. However, there is one tooI you can't get along
without, and that tool is the Scientific Method. Find out what this tool is, and how to
use it. Learning practical application of the scientific method and ways to use it in
every day decision-making are the emphases of this section. Young people will find out
that science is in everything we do, and that it is actually fun!
Seed Power
(Growing Plants)
Planting a garden, no matter what size, is the primary activity of Down-To-Earth, and the
primary activity within a garden is plant growth. Among the key topics in this section are
plant functions, and what plants need to survive.
Nitty Gritty
(Soil)
Most plants cannot survive without soil. Soil serves as the conduit for the vital
ingredients the plant needs to grow. The information in this section will help learners
understand the power of soil, and how it is involved with the growth of plants.
Nutrient
Cycles (Fertilizer)
This section introduces the idea that plants need more than just soil, sunlight and water
to survive. The differences between organic and inorganic fertilizers is explained, and
the components of both are examined.
Bugs Meals
(Insects)
Are all bugs bad bugs? The information found in this section may surprise you. Although we
may not like bugs, not all of them found in the garden are bad. The information presented
here will help the learner find out which are good, which are bad.
Don't Be A
Pest (Pest Control)
Garden pests come in many forms, but weeds and insects are often the most unwanted pests.
It is important to control them in a way that is not harmful to the environment. The
information presented with this section explores Eco-friendly pest control methods.
You're Safe
(Safety)
Pesticides are chemicals used to control unwanted pests. When certain pesticides are
applied, there are safety rules that must be followed. The Safety section illustrates
proper handling techniques, and introduces the idea that protective clothing is an
important safeguard against chemical exposure.
Don't Get
Burned (Sun)
The sun is the source of energy and life support for the earth. As powerful as it is, it
can also be harm-fill to humans. This section will help learners understand that there are
ways to avoid excessive exposure, and reduce the potential for lasting harm.
Splish
Splash (Water)
Water is essential for all life on Earth. It's easy to take water for granted, until the
well runs dry. There is growing concern for contamination and depletion of drinking water
in areas where the supply is limited or not equal to the demand. This section offers
insights into ways to conserve and protect one of our most valuable resources.
Future
Scientists (Careers)
Degrees from schools of agriculture lead to far more than traditional farmjobs. This sec
ton looks at occupations that are agriculture-related, and helps learners explore a
variety of career possibilities.
What's the
Score (Assessments)
Attitudinal and knowledge-based evaluation forms are included in this notebook. They are
intended to be used as pre- and post-tests to aid in determining ultimate program impacts.
The knowledge-based evaluations are presented individually, and they are designed to
indicate how well key concepts were grasped by participants.
Room for
More
Because Down-to-Earth is designed to be adaptable and expandable, teachers and
facilitators will undoubtedly need room to add their own notes and supplemental materials
to the notebook: here's your space! |
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