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Ateneo Science Educators and Researchers in Virtual
Engagement (SERVE) 2020 Ateneo de Manila University
School of Science and Engineering
MS Science Education Program of Biology Department

Practicing Students’ Science Process Skills through Pocket Gardening

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Marvice Joyce V. Ong , Lyka D. Lamoste , and John Oliver P. Distor

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Philippine Science High School – Main Campus Rizal Technological University
*Corresponding author: mjcvilla@pshs.edu.ph
ABSTRACT

Many have turned their interest into growing plants during this time of pandemic. Some opt to grow
ornamental plants while some opt to grow crops. Aside from doing this as a hobby, people are now into
growing plants for them to somehow supplement their food supply. Whether a hobby or a solution to a
limited food access, this activity can also be a great avenue to incorporate scientific investigations. With
the global crisis that we are facing now, the government opted to cancel face-to-face classes until there is no
available vaccine against the virus, COVID-19. Thus, laboratory experiments and activities needed by the
students to enhance their science process skills will not be practiced for a longer period of time.
Alternatively, amidst the pandemic, students could still do scientific investigations at their homes through
gardening. Despite the limited space in urban areas, students can grow plants through the use of pocket
gardening. Gardens serve as living laboratories in which students see and experience firsthand what they are
learning and, in turn, apply that knowledge to real-world situations. Both gardening and doing scientific
investigation involves good planning. Not only they will develop their science process skills but also show
their respect for the environment. In this work, learning materials were prepared for the “new normal
education” by fusing science investigation and gardening to provide meaningful experiences to our students.
Students developed experimental design of their garden, gathered data in tending their plants, practiced
analytical and critical thinking skills as they analyzed their observations, and thought of ways on how to
improve their pocket gardens to yield more fresh produce. This way, young people learn the value of
planting while honing their science process skills through scientific investigations.

Keywords: gardening, experimental design, pocket gardening, science process skills, scientific investigations

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