Sun Seekers Teacher Guide Sun Seekers
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Grade
2
Learning Objective
Students will evaluate environmental conditions (sun vs. shade) to determine ideal planting locations for a vegetable garden by analyzing sunlight exposure and water access.
Materials
Clipboards
Pencils
Garden Architects Map
Sun Seekers Slides
Lesson Sequence
5 min
Warm-up: The Puddle Mystery
Head outside to the playground or schoolyard. Identify "Hot Zones" (direct sun) and "Cool Zones" (shade).
Discussion Prompt: "If we spilled a bucket of water in the sun and in the shade, which puddle would vanish first? Why?"
10 min
Video: Let's Plant a Garden
Focus Moment (3:30): Juniper's advice about "direct sunlight."
Pause at 2:30: Brainstorm plant needs (Water, Sun, Soil).
Pause at 3:15: Discuss "nutrients" (food in the dirt).
20 min
Main Activity: Garden Architects
Students use the map worksheet to place their garden. They must find the balance between Maximum Sun and Easy Water Access .
Check for: Are they avoiding the building shadow? Are they near the water spigot?
5 min
Wrap-up: Sun vs. Shade Plants
Compare garden "Superstars" (Tomatoes - need 8 hours of sun) vs. "Shadow Dwellers" (Ferns/Hostas - like the cool shade).
Pro Tips
If it's a cloudy day, use the school building's orientation to explain where shadows *usually* fall (North side is usually shadiest in the Northern Hemisphere).
Key Vocabulary
NUTRIENTS DIRECT SUNLIGHT SHADE ENVIRONMENT
Sun Seekers Slides Sun Seekers
Designing the Perfect Garden
Outdoor Mission
The Puddle Mystery
If we spilled a bucket of water on the sidewalk, where would it dry up faster?
Your Job:
Find 1 spot with direct sunlight.
Find 1 spot in the cool shade.
"Which spot feels warmer on your skin?"
Let's Watch!
Juniper & Squeaks Grow a Garden
SciShow Kids
Embedded media
1
What do plants need?
2
What is "direct sunlight"?
The Big 3
Water
Plants "drink" water through their roots to stay strong.
Sunlight
Plants use sunlight to make their own food!
Nutrients
Dark soil is full of vitamins that help plants grow big.
Garden
Architects
1
Analyze the Map
Look for the building shadow and the water spigot.
2
Pick the Spot
Draw your garden where it gets enough sun AND water.
3
Explain Why
Why is this the best place for a vegetable garden?
"Good architects plan before they plant!"
Right Plant, Right Place
Sun Lovers
They need 6-8 hours of direct light!
🍅 Tomatoes & Peppers
Shade Dwellers
They prefer the cool, dark shade.
🌿 Ferns & Hostas
Garden Architects Worksheet Garden Architects
Environmental Design Challenge
NAME:
DATE:
Your Goal: Help the school build a new vegetable garden! Look at the map below. Choose the best spot that gets lots of sunlight and is close to water .
Direct Sun
Deep Shade
Water Source
N
School Building
Building Shadow
Old Oak Tree
Water Well
Sunny Field
1 Design Phase
On the map above, draw a thick box where you will place the vegetable garden.
2 Architect's Report
Explain why you chose this location. Think about the sun and the water source .
Certified Garden Architect © 2026
Garden Architects Answer Key Answer Key
Garden Architects Worksheet
TEACHER RESOURCE
Ideal Location Criteria
Sunlight: The garden should be in the "Sunny Field" area, away from the Building Shadow and Tree Shadow.Water Access: The garden should be positioned close to the "Water Well" for easy maintenance.Optimal Zone: The lower-left quadrant of the "Sunny Field" (near the water well) is the best choice.
IDEAL SPOT
SCHOOL
TOO SHADY
SHADOW
Sample Student Responses
Example 1 (Focus on Sunlight):
"I put my garden in the sunny field because plants need direct sunlight to make their own food. I avoided the building shadow so they stay warm."
Example 2 (Focus on Sunlight + Water):
"I chose the spot near the water well. It gets lots of sunlight and it will be easy to carry water to my thirsty plants."
Sun Seekers Lesson Key © 2026
