Step 1: Introducing the concept The first step is probably the most crucial of all in terms of


getting students interested and excited about the project. Begin the project with a question such as, where does our food come from and how much work does it take to raise all that is in the juicy hamburger loaded with the works at your favorite restaurant? Or, why is it that we have to go way outside the city limits to see biodiversity and how can we increase the number of species on campus or at our homes? These questions can lead you toward making strong curricu- lum connections. The key with this step is to provide the answers to all


logistical concerns regarding safety, appearance, and main- tenance. For older students, consider connections to com- munity-and service-learning requirements. Outlining direct academic standards connections for all grade participants is also crucial. Logistical points to consider fall within the fol- lowing areas:


a. What are you going to do? You might already have the theme determined or you can provide a list for the stu- dents to choose from or have them come up with a theme on their own. This is where the fun begins, as you will often hear interesting, comical, and challenging themes like a Harry Potter garden. Rather than immediately negating these ideas, have students think critically, ratio- nally, and realistically. Research can also begin at this point so that students can see examples that might fit into their brainstorming.


b. Who is going to do the work? Explain to the class that they are going to do everything from brainstorming and researching to designing, planting, and maintaining. Stress that you will be involved too, and that there might be the opportunity to work with other classes, grade levels, administrators, and even parents.


c. When are you doing this? The proj- ect begins the moment you intro- duce it. Explain that it is a year-long project and that you will be devot- ing class time to this either daily, weekly, or bi-weekly. Planning should begin within the first weeks of the new school year. Remember that geographical location will dic- tate the planting schedule as well as seasonal maintenance, such as pruning and mulching. Working with your local extension agent is a valuable resource.


d. Why are you doing this? This is a great time to introduce careers that involve working with plants and the skills that go into these profes- sions. Making connections to other subjects is a great way to empha-


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size cross-curricular links to math, art, technology, and, language arts. Also important to include are lessons on how students can make an impact helping our environ- ment. Easy environmental connections can be made — for example, that natural areas attract beneficial insects, while the plants sequester carbon and clean water.


e. How are you doing this? At this point, explain that stu- dents will have different jobs and will come together for a digging and mulching party. Get them excited about drawing and art during the design stage, writing in terms of scientific analysis of the area, journaling through doc- umenting the entire process (including through photogra- phy and or a newsletter), and, of course, the use of tools such as shovels, wheelbarrows, and pruners. You might even want to include that you will be doing a long-term population study of which species are observed.


f. Where are you doing this? Location will be determined by your theme. This is a great time to increase interest by stating you will be transforming a place on campus that will become an aesthetically pleasing site to serve as an educational tool, study area, place of relaxation, and, most importantly, a place that enhances, restores, and increases biodiversity and connects us back to nature.


g. Collaboration: This step is great for connecting with par- ents or forging partnerships with the outside community. Partnering with those who specialize in your theme will potentially save a lot of work. In the end, once a realistic project has been conceived, the field work can begin.


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