Chapter Graphic : Strawberry Patch
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Approach: One to one  Level: Year 4 and year 8
Focus: Choice of materials to suit particular purpose.
912k
Resources: 5 types of cover material, 6 types of fastener, sample of frame material, photo, plan of frame.
Questions / instructions:
In this activity you will be thinking about the best way to protect a strawberry garden from birds.
Here is a picture of a strawberry patch.
Show student the photo.
 
% responses
2000 ('96)
y4
y8
1. There is a problem. Birds keep on eating the nice, juicy strawberries.
How do you think the problem could be fixed?
Pause for answer.
   

One idea for fixing the problem is to put a cover on a frame, then put the covered frame over the strawberry patch. Here is a plan of a frame to help you think about that idea.

Show student the plan.
Here are some materials that could be used for the cover on the frame.
Give student the possible covers.

2. Which material do you think is the most suitable one to use? 
fine plastic netting, 3cm holes
8 (8)
12 (9)
 
black polythene sheet
19 (13)
5 (6)
windbreak cloth
30 (40)
30 (35)
plastic netting, 5cm holes
3 (3)
3 (1)
chicken wire, 1cm holes
40 (36)
50 (49)
3. Why would that material be the best to use?
unable to be penetrated by birds size of mesh
78 (79)
85 (86)
 
allows sun through
14 (8)
37 (35)
allows moisture through
8 (7)
16 (20)
creates good conditions for growth
9 (17)
17 (22)
easy to work with
4 (2)
8 (4)
Give student the wood.
The plan shows that the cover needs to be attached to some pieces of wood.
Give student the fasteners.
Here are some things that could be used to attach the material to the wood.
4. What do you think would be best for attaching the cover to the wood?
glue
8 (5)
2 (0)
 
nails
33 (32)
20 (16)
PVC insulation tape
18 (7)
4 (5)
drawing pins
2 (0)
1 (2)
wire staples
33 (45)
66 (68)
polypropylene string
6 (11)
7 (9)
5. How would you use this fastening (or these fastenings) to attach the cover to the wood?
6. Explain why you think that would be the best way to attach the net to the wood.
responses to 5 & 6 practicality, durability
strong
10 (6)
17 (13)
moderate
39 (47)
50 (53)
weak
49 (46)
32 (33)
none
3 (1)
1 (1)
Commentary:
About 15 percent more year 8 than year 4 students gave good explanations for their choice of materials and method of attachment. Little change was evident between 1996 and 2000 for year 4 or year 8 students.
 
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