The Plant Crisis of 2015! (Problem Solving Approach Lab)

This week for AEE 412 Lab, we conducted a Problem Solving Approach Lesson.

I chose to create a lesson for my Horticulture Class. This specific lesson is situated directly between the Greenhouse and Integrated Pest Management Units. Thus, I wanted to create a felt need to learn more about how plants can become "sick" and also, what a well functioning greenhouse looks like.

Thus, I created a "Plant Crisis Scenario" where students could see a healthy Spider Plant, and compare it to some pictures of sickly plants.

I think it was fun for students to see, smell, touch, and interact with a real plant, and it made the scenario more realistic.

Then, the students developed questions to try to figure out what was wrong with our plants in the greenhouse. After establishing some questions, the students were provided with a list of experts. After reviewing this list, and coming up with more questions, we held a TRIAL! That's right, the students were provided with cards with information for each witness, and then we got to ask some questions.

Ideally, with 24 students, what will happen is each "witness" will stand in front of the class, and answer their questions. I altered the activity slightly to accommodate the small class size, and I think that it made the process more difficult.

GEMS:

- I think that I demonstrated a strong rapport with my students. I was in tune with sleepy and frustrated students. These observations allowed me to act accordingly and get everyone on track and paying attention
- I let the students drive the discussion! I was nervous but excited for that aspect of the lab
- I was prepared with the cards, plant, and pictures etc.

OPPS: Opportunities for Growth

- Body language! After reviewing the video, I was very distracting during the lesson (Pacing when students were brainstorming, fidgeting while listening to responses, etc.)
- Clarity of instructions! Have students reiterate directions, and don't rush through giving instructions. It's okay to take the extra time to explain this.
- Kinesthetic... ideally with more students and an actual greenhouse, students would be able to move around more
- Provide other ways for students who are struggling (in class or to stay awake!!!!) to be engaged.
-Specifically for Problem Solving Approach
1) Having a handout or worksheet for students to complete
2) Having directions written out somewhere for the students
3) ASKING HIGHER LEVEL QUESTIONS! Forcing students to reach deeper into the recesses of their learning and knowledge to answer the questions. I fear that this lab was too superficial. However, this class is primarily 9th graders, so I wanted to keep that in mind.

I really enjoyed utlizing the Problem Solving Approach for this lab. I am also excited because I think this lesson could be adapted for a lot of different ideas! Can we say... recycle?

Best
-Sb