Hands-On Learning in the SSIS Makerspace Garden

Among planter boxes and growing vines, Grade 1 students are on a mission: to observe, measure, and nurture the life they’ve helped create as “Campus Rangers.” Today, their learning is in full bloom.

As part of the Campus Rangers Super Unit, grade 1 students explore how organisms adapt to their environments and how we can help them thrive. As part of their learning, students have been growing their own plants in the Makerspace garden. Some chose to start their seedlings in hydroponic systems, while others planted their seeds directly in the soil. 

Observation, Reflection, and Problem-Solving

“My plant has a lot of leaves,” notes Ajin. “How many?” asks Mr. Thomas Potter, the classroom teacher, who is one of three teachers helping the students. As the students record their observations in journals, sketch changes, and measure their plants, they’re not just seeing growth—they’re analyzing it, a process that ties directly into their math learning. 

The students are delighted to observe that some plants have even outgrown their rulers. “Ms. Mai, we need bigger rulers!” one student exclaims as he sees how big his plant has grown. Makerspace teaching assistant Ms. Mai shows him where the meter sticks are kept. 

Guided Toward Discovery

This learning journey extends beyond the Makerspace garden. Students have also gotten help from the teacher who runs the after-school Gardening Club, and they know how to see which plants have thrived and which have struggled. They’ve asked questions, researched answers, and now take on the responsibility of adjusting the relevant conditions for their plants. Recently, a few students noticed their seedlings weren’t thriving. Instead of giving up, they worked with Ms. Mai to replant the seeds into the hydroponic system for a better chance of survival. 

Through hands-on learning, students develop critical thinking skills. “What might have happened to this plant?” Mr. Potter prompts. “Did it get enough water? Too much? Does it need more space?” These questions guide students toward discovery, deepening their understanding of cause and effect in nature.

From Seedlings to Systems Thinking

It’s been less than a year since Elementary School STEAM Coach, Mr. Phú Hoa, and his teaching assistant, Ms. Mai, transformed the unused rooftop area into a Makerspace garden and open-air learning laboratory. “Are you excited to see how your plants have grown since last time?” Mr. Hoa asks. He collaborates with classroom teachers to skillfully incorporate STEAM into learning moments like this. Hands shoot up. Yui points out, “There’s string all over the place!” and Ms. Mai explains that she’s giving the plants space to climb so they don’t take up room all over the ground.

These proud Campus Rangers are not only learning how to successfully grow plants. The SuperUnit is also teaching them to cultivate an understanding of the natural environment, interconnected systems, and the responsibility we have to help organisms thrive. And soon, they’ll get to demonstrate their learning during the upcoming Super Unit Celebration, where they will share their plant journals and reflections with their families. 

As the beautiful Makerspace garden grows, so do the young minds tending it. With each observation, measurement, and adjustment, they are developing the skills and mindset of future scientists and problem solvers and becoming responsible caretakers of the world around them.

Watch the YouTube Short, here.