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The Classroom Kit is versatile and designed to be used with many STEM lessons and activities.
STEM Curriculum Map: Exploring Microgreens (Grades 6–8)
| Week | Domain | Lesson Title | Key Concepts | Activities | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Science | Growth Rate Comparison | Plant growth, variables | Measure daily growth of different microgreens; record in journal | Observe plant development and analyze growth patterns |
| Science | Germination Investigation | Germination, experimental design | Vary water/temperature; track % germinated | Identify optimal germination conditions and interpret results | |
| Science | Plant Parts and Functions | Plant anatomy | Dissect microgreens; label root, stem, cotyledon | Understand the structure and function of plant parts at the seedling stage | |
| Science | Role of Light Color in Growth | Photosynthesis, light spectrum | Grow microgreens under red/blue/green light | Investigate how light wavelength impacts plant development | |
| Science | No-Pesticide Agriculture | Sustainable farming, ecosystems | Research microgreen systems vs. outdoor farming | Explain why indoor microgreens don’t require pesticides |
| Week | Domain | Lesson Title | Key Concepts | Activities | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Science | Growth Rate Comparison | Plant growth, variables | Measure daily growth of different microgreens; record in journal | Observe plant development and analyze growth patterns |
| Science | Germination Investigation | Germination, experimental design | Vary water/temperature; track % germinated | Identify optimal germination conditions and interpret results | |
| Science | Plant Parts and Functions | Plant anatomy | Dissect microgreens; label root, stem, cotyledon | Understand the structure and function of plant parts at the seedling stage | |
| Science | Role of Light Color in Growth | Photosynthesis, light spectrum | Grow microgreens under red/blue/green light | Investigate how light wavelength impacts plant development | |
| Science | No-Pesticide Agriculture | Sustainable farming, ecosystems | Research microgreen systems vs. outdoor farming | Explain why indoor microgreens don’t require pesticides |
| Week | Domain | Lesson Title | Key Concepts | Activities | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Technology | Time-Lapse Microgreen Journal | Digital observation, growth tracking | Create a slideshow or video with daily photos | Use technology to document biological changes over time |
| Technology | Build a Grow Light System | Circuits, light sources | Construct a DIY grow light box | Apply simple electronics to create functional tools for plant growth | |
| Technology | Microgreen Monitoring App Mockup | Design thinking, UX | Draw or digitally design app screens for logging plant care | Develop user-centered tech solutions for indoor gardening | |
| Technology | Arduino Growth Monitor (Optional) | Sensors, coding | Use temp/light sensors and Arduino to log data (advanced) | Learn basic programming and data collection using physical computing | |
| Technology | Virtual Lab Simulation | Modeling, scientific comparison | Use online simulator; compare with real-life microgreen growth | Predict outcomes and validate simulations through real experiments |
| Week | Domain | Lesson Title | Key Concepts | Activities | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Engineering | DIY Indoor Farm Design | Systems thinking, spatial planning | Team design challenge with limited space and budget | Develop design plans for a compact, efficient indoor microgreen system |
| Engineering | Build a Hydroponic Tray | Hydroponics, systems engineering | Build a passive hydroponic system using trays, mesh, and water | Explore alternative farming methods that don’t require soil | |
| Engineering | Temperature Control Challenge | Insulation, energy transfer | Design passive solutions (e.g., covers, reflective materials) | Understand how to maintain indoor temperature conditions | |
| Engineering | Eco-Friendly Packaging Design | Product design, sustainability | Create recyclable or compostable microgreen packaging | Apply sustainable design principles to real-world agricultural products | |
| Engineering | Seed Dispenser Prototype | Mechanics, prototyping | Design a device to spread seeds evenly over trays | Use the engineering design process to solve a real growing problem |
| Week | Domain | Lesson Title | Key Concepts | Activities | Learning Objectives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Math | Graphing Growth Rate | Data analysis, measurement | Chart daily height; calculate avg. growth rate | Collect and interpret real-world data using visual tools |
| Math | Yield Estimation and Cost Analysis | Budgeting, ratio, unit pricing | Track materials used and estimate profit per tray | Analyze cost-benefit of small-scale agriculture | |
| Math | Seed Density vs. Yield | Experimental math, statistics | Grow trays at different seed densities; weigh harvests | Use quantitative reasoning to optimize growing practices | |
| Math | Data Tracking and Trendlines | Correlation, line of best fit | Use Excel/Google Sheets to chart environmental data | Analyze environmental influence on growth using mathematical models | |
| Math | Unit Conversion Practice | Measurement, conversions | Convert seed weight, tray size, water use across unit systems | Improve math fluency through agricultural context |
Unit Summary / Assessment Ideas
- Culminating Project: Design and present a microgreen business concept, including system design, cost breakdown, and marketing plan.
- Reflection Journal: Students document hypotheses, observations, and reflections daily or weekly.
- STEM Poster Presentation: Groups showcase their experiments (e.g., light spectrum, density test) and findings.
Microgreens Curriculum Map Grades 5–6
Week 1: Nutrition Focus
- What’s in a Microgreen?
- Key Concepts: Micronutrients, nutrition labels
- Activity: Research vitamin and mineral content of microgreens
- Objective: Identify key nutrients in microgreens and their health benefits
- Microgreens and MyPlate
- Key Concepts: Food groups, healthy eating
- Activity: Plan a MyPlate meal that includes microgreens
- Objective: Understand how microgreens fit into a balanced diet
- Taste Test & Nutrient Comparison
- Key Concepts: Sensory evaluation, nutrition
- Activity: Taste test different microgreens; chart preferences and nutrients
- Objective: Compare sensory qualities and health value of various microgreens
- Create a Healthy Snack
- Key Concepts: Healthy eating habits
- Activity: Make a snack using microgreens; write a recipe
- Objective: Apply knowledge of nutrition to prepare a healthy food item
- Vitamin C Lab
- Key Concepts: Nutrient testing, chemical reactions
- Activity: Test foods for vitamin C using iodine solution
- Objective: Identify vitamin C presence and understand its health importance
Week 2: Sustainability Focus
- Indoor Farming vs. Outdoor Farming
- Key Concepts: Resources, environmental impact
- Activity: Compare farming methods in a Venn diagram
- Objective: Evaluate advantages of indoor microgreen farming
- Food Miles and Local Eating
- Key Concepts: Food sourcing, environmental impact
- Activity: Map food journeys; compare to local-grown microgreens
- Objective: Understand how local food reduces carbon footprint
- Composting Microgreen Waste
- Key Concepts: Decomposition, waste reduction
- Activity: Start a compost bin with microgreen scraps
- Objective: Observe composting process and learn benefits of reducing waste
- Packaging Impact
- Key Concepts: Waste, eco-friendly design
- Activity: Analyze packaging types and redesign for sustainability
- Objective: Create sustainable packaging alternatives for microgreens
- Water Use in Agriculture
- Key Concepts: Conservation, measurement
- Activity: Measure water use for microgreens vs. outdoor plants
- Objective: Compare water efficiency in different farming methods
Week 3: Botany Focus
- Seed Anatomy & Function
- Key Concepts: Seed structure
- Activity: Dissect seeds; label diagrams
- Objective: Identify parts of a seed and their roles in plant development
- Life Cycle of a Plant: Condensed Version
- Key Concepts: Germination, growth stages
- Activity: Observe microgreens from seed to harvest
- Objective: Recognize the shortened life cycle of microgreens
- Photosynthesis in Action
- Key Concepts: Energy transformation
- Activity: Use leaf disks or oxygen indicators under light
- Objective: Demonstrate the process of photosynthesis
- Plant Hormones and Growth
- Key Concepts: Tropisms, plant biology
- Activity: Observe how microgreens respond to different light angles
- Objective: Understand how plants respond to their environment
- Root Observation Lab
- Key Concepts: Plant development
- Activity: Grow microgreens in clear containers to view roots
- Objective: Explore how roots grow and support plants
Week 4: Applied & Cross-Curricular Focus
- Grow Your Own Lunch
- Key Concepts: Farm-to-table, healthy eating
- Activity: Harvest microgreens and use them in a lunch dish
- Objective: Experience food production and consumption cycle
- Microgreen Business Plan (Kid-Level)
- Key Concepts: Economics, entrepreneurship
- Activity: Plan a simple microgreen business
- Objective: Learn the basics of starting and marketing a small business
- Citizen Science & Journaling
- Key Concepts: Scientific observation
- Activity: Keep a microgreen journal; share results with peers
- Objective: Practice scientific data collection and sharing
- Environmental Impact Poster
- Key Concepts: Environmental awareness
- Activity: Create posters explaining how microgreens help the environment
- Objective: Communicate sustainability benefits creatively
- Global Farming Comparison
- Key Concepts: Agriculture practices worldwide
- Activity: Research how food is grown in various countries
- Objective: Compare global food production methods with indoor microgreens
