Our first provocation focused on perimeter and how we can use different units of measurement without using a ruler! She let our imaginations run wild and gave us the chance to inquire into different ways of measuring in the garden. We used thumbs, elbows, feet, sticks, rakes, and other items found in our surroundings and recorded our findings. This hands-on activity was very engaging and provided a meaningful learning experience to make the visual connection of what perimeter is all about.
Our next provocation with Amanda was to explore the garden to inquire about area and how we can represent the area of something by covering it. So simple but so true! We ventured out into the garden in search of covering the surface of an object. What a great way to visualize the big concept of area in mathematics.
Others set out to design a garden and plant seeds according to the seed package and think about algebra. Who knew there were so many ways to use the outdoors to discover and think about math!
We then looked at patterns in Math and all the experiential ways of exploring this concept. Amanda showed us ways to use cedar strips, iris leaves, yarn, paper, and fabric to find patterns in nature. There was definitely a zen moment in the air when we all started weaving iris leaves. We finished off with weaving patterned First Nations coin purses. Some of us skipped lunch just to finish our purses. Wow, cross curricular connections too!
After our Math in the Garden Workshop, we breaked for lunch and then continued with a work party. The soil in the garden has been quite dry lately, so Emily and Audrey decided to buy some bales of straw and have us spread it all over the garden. Apparently straw is great at retaining water, which is exactly what our plants need in this hot weather! We covered all the garden beds with straw, watered, and hopefully now that our soil is covered with straw, our plants will flourish.
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