# data[].attributes.body
Welcome to our Padlet, we hope you enjoy this pathway through the planning, designing and making of our greenhouse.
Follow the arrows to join us on this journey!
Thank you

# data[].attributes.headline
Starting point: The Primary School Curriculum 

# data[].attributes.subject
Starting point: The Primary School Curriculum 

# data[].attributes.body
Before starting this assignment, we placed it in context of the primary school curriculum.
In our first group meeting, we recognised that exploring, planning, making and evaluating are key skills to be developed for 5th/6th class, with a particular focus on safety procedures.

# data[].attributes.body
In the beginning we had planned to use bamboo to achieve the dome shape of our greenhouse. However, unfortunately we quickly realised that the bamboo snapped when we tried to bend it. However, we were keen on keeping our idea of the dome shape. So, following this failed idea we went in search of other materials to use.

# data[].attributes.headline
The context in which we would set the investigation

# data[].attributes.subject
The context in which we would set the investigation

# data[].attributes.body
Strands:
Living Things
Energy and Forces
Strand units:
Plant and animal life
Light
The greenhouse provides an engaging entry point and a chance to explore photosynthesis in plants, growth conditions and characteristics of different plants. There are many other meaningful investigations and inquiries that the children could engage with.

# data[].attributes.body
The main understandings that we hope children would be able to demonstrate after this project are:
1. Investigate the factors that affect plant growth.
2. Investigate the different materials that can be used when making a greenhouse.
3. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using a greenhouse/growing your own plants.
4. Explore the significance of the sun as a source of light for the winter solstice at Newgrange.

# data[].attributes.body
Questions that we used to drive our inquiry;
1. Are the seeds growing in our greenhouse?
2. What conditions are needed for these seeds to grow?
3. What type of greenhouse will best ensure that these conditions are met?
4. What materials and environment will we use to ensure that we provide the necessary conditions for growth?

# data[].attributes.body
During the exploring phase of our project, we felt that using a cycle of inquiry would be the best way to conduct this investigation with a class. We used Kath Murdoch's cycle of inquiry for this project and used it during our discussions. It encouraged us to activate our prior knowledge, make connections, ask questions, research and critically reflect.

# data[].attributes.body
As part of the exploring phase of our project, we made a brainstorm of what we know about greenhouses and recorded any questions that we had. We researched the different types of greenhouses, what materials they are made from and what seeds are grown in them. We would use this information to critique each one and to help us decide on design criteria for own greenhouse.

# data[].attributes.body
After researching the necessary growth conditions of cress seeds and consulting with our explorations, we have concluded that our greenhouse must:
1. Have a dome shape on the top to allow maximum light access
2. Be suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
3. Provide the necessary conditions for seed growth.

# data[].attributes.headline
Going Further: Taking action: The final plan

# data[].attributes.subject
Going Further: Taking action: The final plan

# data[].attributes.body
We decided to stick to the dome shape. However, we discovered that a wire surround would be the most appropriate in order to protect the seeds as they grow. We also used a strong plastic film to surround the dome to protect them and keep a warm temperature, (A kind horticulturalist in the hardware store gave this film to us).

# data[].attributes.body
In our planning, we explored ways of creating greenhouses in a classroom that are accessible to children in 5th/6th class. We found the use of such materials would be ideal for a class activity, as they are a feature of everyday life.
However, for this investigation we decided not to make this model, as something sustainable and weather-proof would be more effective for seed growth.

# data[].attributes.body
We were inspired by this dome shaped greenhouse and decided to base our structure on the dome shape also. This also aided us in developing our design criteria.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Building a geodesic dome greenhouse: time lapse video

# data[].attributes.headline
Eliciting previous knowledge from children

# data[].attributes.subject
Eliciting previous knowledge from children

# data[].attributes.body
We would activate children's prior knowledge by showing them an image of a greenhouse and asking them what it is/what it's purpose is etc. and by conducting a Think-Pair-Share and a brainstorm with them. This brainstorm would then be used at the end of the lesson, where we would add any new learning.

# data[].attributes.body
In this Padlet we will present each phase involved in the designing and making of the greenhouse below.
Since this is a project for 5th/6th class, we will use the curriculum as our stating point and place it into a classroom context by providing learning objectives that we would outline for children. We will use an inquiry cycle to assist us with this investigation and discuss the following phases; exploring, planning, making and evaluating.

# data[].attributes.body
We decided to use a dome shaped structure as it allows for more sunlight to access the plants , better circulation of air and a greater surface area for growing plants. Once the decision was made the next step was to source the materials required.We went on a group trip to a local hardware to buy a hanging basket, plastic film, construction glue, picture frames and cress seeds. A kind horticulturalist  helped us source the most sturdy and reliable materials for our greenhouse.

# data[].attributes.body
With the materials bought, we began to make our greenhouse. We decided to build the dome structure first , one member constructed the dome shape using hanging basket and then covering  it with the strong plastic film. We then moved onto the base. Another group member used picture frames to create a glass base to attract the light. We used construction glue to attach the glass base to the dome. We left a small hole at the top for air.
Once the greenhouse was complete, we then put the seeds on a wet tissue and cotton wool inside the structure. However, if we wanted to grow seeds in soil the pink mat that we placed the seeds on can be taken away. The greenhouse is strong so it could then be used for growing seeds in soil outdoors.
One group member took the seeds home with them for the duration of placement. They watered the seeds and documented their growth in photos.

# data[].attributes.body
We are delighted with the outcome of our project. We managed to achieve our goal of designing and making a sturdy and practical greenhouse in order to grow our seeds. We worked well when planning and exploring and tested out some materials that unfortunately did not suit our design. However, these failures inspired our plans for our final product. We found it difficult to design a greenhouse that would be accessible to children in 5th or 6th class and therefore decided to keep our design simple but effective. None of our group members have had experience in gardening or working with greenhouses. We have now realised how accessible it is and how enjoyable it is to explore. It also made us realise the endless possibilities that this topic has for inquiry based learning and investigating in the classroom. We think that children would really love lessons connected to this. We have been inspired by this project to explore gardening further and possibly make greenhouses with our future classes!

We hope our project has inspired you to begin gardening too!

Thank you so much for reading 😊

# data[].attributes.body
At first we didn't immediately see the opportunities for integration with this topic to history. However, through research we identified that there were many possibilities for meaningful connections to me made. We opted to connect our design of a dome shaped greenhouse to the structure that is Newgrange. We found that by linking the dome shape of both structures it could allow us to explore the history of why Newgrange was built in this way. While also exploring the history of the building itself with a particular focus on the 'Winter Solstice'.

# data[].attributes.body
If being used in a classroom, safety procedures must be put in place.

# data[].attributes.body
We were so eager to begin making our greenhouse so we set off to find our tools! This is what we got!

# data[].attributes.body
2.

# data[].attributes.body
4.

# data[].attributes.body
1.

# data[].attributes.body
3.

# data[].attributes.body
5.

# data[].attributes.body
We are so happy with how our seeds grew. Perhaps this could be a question to pose to children...Was it easy to grow our own food? Do you think this is a healthy way of eating? Why/Why not?
This could be a great stimulus for a discussion surrounding the benefits/drawbacks of growing your own food.