top of page
Watering and Weeding.jpg

Copyright or Image edited by Henry Guzmán

Unit Plan #4: Watering and Weeding

Primary goal: Students learn the best methods for watering plants and removing weeds to ensure healthy growth and prevent competition for nutrients.

Grade Level: 3rd to 5th Grade (Ages 8-11)

Duration: Twice a week or when required

Subject Areas: Science, Ecology, Environmental Education, STEAM, Math, Language Arts

 

Stage 1 – Desired Results (Goals, Objectives, and Key Understandings)

 

Goals (Established Goals):

  1.  Students will comprehend why following proper watering and weeding techniques in the garden is essential.

  2. Students will learn and try some of the best practices when watering and weeding the plants; this will promote thriving and healthy plants.

 

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. How often watering must be done? Why is regular watering important for plants?

  2. What happens if we weed or do not adequately weed our plants?

  3. What is a small garden's most practical and effective watering and weeding techniques?

 

Understandings (Students will understand that):

  1. When applying proper watering techniques improves the health and growth of plants.

  2. Weeding is one of the most critical gardening tasks; it helps prevent competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

  3. Watering and weeding vary according to elements and conditions such as heat and soil and when implementing a chemical-free garden (ideal). It's important to schedule it twice weekly in the first weeks after being transplanted or after sprouting.

​

Knowledge and Skills (Students will know and be able to):

  1.  Describe the proper watering and weeding techniques and which tools are used.

  2. Witness, learn, and demonstrate how proper watering affects plants when done efficiently.

  3. Identify common weeds considering a bioregion approach and implementing ways to remove them without damaging the plant.

  4. Explain to others the importance and benefits of regular garden maintenance.

​

Stage 2 – Assessment Evidence (Methods to Evaluate Student Learning)

​

Performance Tasks:

  1. Watering and Weeding Journal: Documenting is a crucial component of the gardening journey; students can write down their watering and weeding activities. Here, they can describe the techniques used, the conditions observed, and any potential damage to the plant when not weeding carefully.

  2. Weed Identification Activity: Students can use technology for this; there are online resources to identify different types of weeds in the garden. Many websites and apps exist, including iNaturalist, PlantSnap, Wildflower.org, GoBotany, USDA Plants Database, PictureThis, and others.

  3. Other Evidence: Ensure that activities that encourage class creativity, coloring, discussions, and everyone's participation are included, such as taking turns when planting or interacting with the weeds and water. Craft and adapt free resources if the school requires written tests or quizzes to assess the learning process. See this example quiz about weeding: https://www.educationquizzes.com/specialist/gardening/weeds---annual-garden-weeds/

​

Stage 3 – Learning Plan (Instructional Strategies and Activities)

 

Learning Activities:

Week 1-2 (or when needed): Introduction to Watering Techniques

  • Concrete Experience (CE): It's essential to learn about the amount of water and the watering techniques appropriate for our plants' age. Students, with the guidance of their teacher/instructor, participate in watering different plants in the garden. Students can use math concepts to measure the amount of water used and observe the immediate and short-term effects on plant growth. To avoid overwatering, use small watering cans or cups to make it manageable for children​.

  • Reflective Observation (RO): Have students reflect on the importance of watering and ask questions about what would happen if we don’t do it properly or on time. Keep track and record the watering days and amounts; make every student write down this date in their Watering and Weeding Journal section.

 

Week 1-2 (or when needed): Introduction to Weeding Techniques

  • Abstract Conceptualization (AC): The weeding topic can be more complex and extensive than watering; ensure students are more familiar with the different weeds and the practices to eradicate them safely before doing it. Use multimedia resources or interactive apps for this; good free options exist. These apps help identify the weeds and explain how to handle them properly.

  • Active Experimentation (AE): Take students to the garden area and assign each student a section to practice weeding. Encourage them to do it carefully and write down their observations before and after weeding; use a section of the journal for this, called Weed Identification Activity. Every student learns and processes information differently. Encourage students to document their experiences using not only words but also other skills that they may have, including art. Make this process fun, and avoid competition or rushing that may damage the plants.

 

Materials Needed:

 

For Watering:

  • Watering cans or hoses

  • Moisture meters (optional)

  • Measuring cups

 

For Weeding:

  • Weeding tools (gloves, small shovels, or trowels)

  • Weed identification charts

  • Collection buckets

  • Labels and markers

 

For Both Activities:

  • Watering and Weeding Observation Journals

​

Reflection and Improvement:

       Evaluate, reflect, and revise. The watering and weeding process can vary when the plant is growing, and what worked in week one may not work the following, mainly because the plant and weed grow differently depending on the water and heat conditions. Evaluate the student's learning journey and consider their challenges and takeaways. Since gardening includes theory and practice, it asses and reflects the level of engagement of the students in these activities. This activity will be repeated several times, so it's essential to remember that you count on the proper tools and techniques when the plants require more maintenance.

​

Importance of water conservation and sustainability:

Depending on the size of the garden, we can face issues of lack of water or exceeding the amounts allowed in your community. Even if you have a well to extract water, it requires a pump and electricity. Be mindful of the water resources available you have access to. Using water efficiently helps ensure that the available resources are not abused and that healthy plants are maintained. Some methods or techniques exist for gardening to minimize and conserve water.

Some good practices:

  1. Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture. There are other benefits to consider: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/benefits-of-using-mulch.htm.

  2. Drip Irrigation: This helps to add water directly to the plant roots, minimizing water waste. You can empower your students to be creative and use recycled plastic pots that you can paint or color. More about its benefits: https://galveston.agrilife.org/files/2012/03/03-20-2013-Gardeners-Should-Consider-the-Many-Benefits-of-Drip-Irrigation-by-Dr.-William-M.-Johnson.pdf

  3. Rainwater Harvesting: One of the best practices when the water scares is collecting rainwater in barrels or other containers next to the garden, so you don’t rely on tap water.

There are other practices; consult local gardeners' experts for more.

Read the Water Conservation in the Home Garden and Landscape article from the University of Massachusetts for more tips. Retaining soil moisture is one of the best practices to consider: https://ag.umass.edu/home-lawn-garden/fact-sheets/water-conservation-in-home-garden-landscape.  

Feel free to research more with local agencies and universities about the best water use and conservation practices.  

 

Multimedia and Online Resources:

​

​

​

Next Unit (#5)
bottom of page