Unit Guide

Native Plants in Backyard Gardens

Merry Ostheimer

This three-week curriculum unit is a hybrid between a social studies and science project in which second through fifth grade students will study maps of their region and plan a virtual garden that will satisfy all elements of a healthy food web. They will start by looking at maps and talk about how maps show places on Earth using the cardinal directions north, south, east, and west. They will discuss how you can use maps and atlases to find where you live and where you wish to go. Then, they will explore google earth and ArcGIS. Using National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder, they will plan their own virtual garden that promotes a healthy ecosystem.