This unit is written to encourage the use and/or development of natural pesticides, but there are those who will read this lesson and may feel it is too much trouble to go through when the chemical products are so readily available and cheaper. Well, if you fall into this category I wish to give a little advice.
Chemical pesticides are not only harmful on our food or in the soil but its effects can be experienced before you intend to use the product. Pay close attention to where you store these items. Very high shelves or hidden cabinets may be good but locked storage places would be best. Hide the Key!
Because the mosquitoes are so plentiful in backyards this year, I have seen friends use some form of yardguard in their yards prior to their company’s arrival. Which brings me to another point. Make sure your children, pets, and your childrens’ toys are out of the way before you spray. The pesticide needs to dry before you allow people to come in contact with it. I had touched the arm to her patio chair which still had wet insecticide on it. It smelled funny and felt a little oily, so I immediately went to the bathroom and washed it off completely with warm soapy water. Lucky for me she had some antibacterial soap. I really can’t say if that kind of soap made a great deal of difference, but I sure felt better.
When I was in the day care business I was shown a video on safety and a child in the video had mistaken a bottle of Pine-Sol for some apple juice. Of course, the child was quite young, perhaps between one years old and three years old, and the Pine-Sol was not locked up. But my point is you should never put your insecticide in any container that a child may mistaken for food.
If there is a case of accident ingestion on the part of a child or adult be sure to have the emergency poison hotline number on hand, preferably near the telephones. Nothing can ruin a classroom project, home picnic or party, trip or experiment like the lack of preparation and information. Plan well in advance which pesticides you will use. Read carefully, I repeat, READ CAREFULLY, the instructions on how any pesticide is to be used. Even good pesticides can be misused and cause damage to your crops. After all your homework has been done you should be ready for the next lesson.
LESSON # 5-Selecting and planting seeds
Main Idea:
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There is a direct connection between what is in your garden and what gets put on your plate. It’s in your hands.
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Objectives:
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Select which seeds to grow. Define vegetarian meal. Compare plants grown in soil to these without soil .
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Time:
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1 week initially, then 6 months
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Materials:
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seeds, plants, wood, soil, plant food, hammer & nails, cartons, water, book about gardening, camera, shovel, plates, knives and forks, newspaper
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Procedure:
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1. Students will decide what a vegetarian diet is.
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2. Student will make a balanced vegetarian meal.
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3. Seed and plant choices will be given for our garden meal.
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4. Soil and containers will be given to each student. They can chose any seed or plants they want. Of course we will only have seeds of things that can grow in the northeast, in our climate. Seeds will be planted on the first day and checked every day.
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5. Small plants will be transplanted to an area just outside our classroom window.. Rows will be neat and soil treated, prepared.
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Water daily. Check for weeds and harmful bugs daily.
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6. After each plant has reached maturity they will be picked/harvested and washed off then cut and prepared for cooking.Some of the cooking will be done in class. Some done at home.
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7. Each child will take part in some aspect of the meal preparation or table setting. Meal will probably consist of eggplant, collards, tomatoes, onions, potatoes and peppermint.
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Conclusion:
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1. Which way of planting was more effective?
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2. Which way produced the best tasting food?
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3. What makes a meal vegetarian?
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4. Which seed grew faster?
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5. Draw a picture of a table setting set correctly.
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