Grade
2

Math in Our World: Spring Garden

The garden has 3 rows and 5 columns. All of the plants in the first column are the same. All of the plants in the second column are the same. All of the plants in the third column, and 1 in the top row of the next column are the same. The remaining 2 plants in the fourth column are the same. The plants in the top 2 rows of the fifth column are the same. A gnome keeps watch in the bottom row of the fifth column.

In our community garden, there are many new plants growing. In this plot, the gardener organized their plants so they are in rows and columns.

  1. Show the plants in the garden plot. Use pictures, models, or numbers.
  2. What do you notice? What do you wonder?
  3. What math questions can you ask about the plants in the garden? Answer all the questions you can!
  • Try drawing a picture that shows the rows and columns of plants in the garden.
    Remember:
    • A column goes up and down. It is vertical.
    • A row goes across. It is horizontal.
A column is the line of objects that goes up and down. A row is the line of objects that goes across.
  • Does each row have the same number of plants?
  • Do you see any patterns in the way they have been planted?
  • How could you find the total number of plants without counting each one?
  • If it is helpful, try using the Geoboard app to create your own picture of the garden plot. You can make a picture that shows one square for each plant.
  • Show your work to someone else, and explain your thinking. Did they understand?
  • Ask whether they have any other questions you can answer!

Design your own garden. What would you like to grow? How many rows and columns would you have? How many plants will you grow in all?

Printable Version

Google doc for printing and copying

Seesaw Version

Activity for the Seesaw platform

Reference for Educators

Sample problems and solutions