While at a science education conference, I learned about a resource that may interest you as you build that “big picture” about plants for students.
The Nutrients for Life Foundation is a nonprofit organization educating students and the public about the role fertilizers play in feeding the world. They created lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school students that can be used by classroom teachers and homeschool teachers. The foundation was created in 2004 by leaders in the fertilizer industry. According to the information in the Fall 2013 issue of Nutrients for Life, the Foundation’s magazine, representatives from the following companies serve as board members or as members on the advisory board: PotashCorp, Transammonia, The Fertilizer Institute, Intrepid Potash, Simplot, Koch Fertilizer LLC, Yara North America, Inc., The Mosaic Company, International Plant Nutrition Institute, Agium Inc., CF Industries, Inc., Florida Fertilzer & Agrichemical Association. The Foundation has regional representatives in Colorado, Louisiana, Nebraska, Iowa, Florida, Illinois and the Northwest.
The Nutrients for Life Foundation’s campaign to educate the public about fertilizer is extensive. They have placed ads on trains, created recipe cards and have taken their message to the radio. They also sponsored a traveling exhibition about soil science that began its run at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum (July 19, 2008 – January 10, 2010).
The Foundation’s curriculum, Nourishing the Planet in the 21st Century, is aligned to state standards and is available for free online. When downloading the lessons for your grade level, select your state to download the proper curriculum. Downloadable materials include lesson plans, pre- and post-tests and supply lists. Posters, bookmarks and other materials can also be ordered at no charge.
Visit the Nutrients for Life website to learn more about their soil science curriculum. You can view videos complementing their curriculum on YouTube. Here is a link to a video about a seed sorting activity for elementary school students. When you visit YouTube directly, search for videos by “Nutrients4Life”.
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ArtPlantae Today 
I have not read the information provided but it would concern me that it is produced by the fertilizer industry. True plants need nutrients and “fertilizer covers many things including synthetic and natural. I would hope that natural fertilizer such as manure/composting is included and the hazards of manufactured fertilizers included but I doubt it.
I can see that using state standards is a good way to advertise and promote their product but that can lead to bias.Can you post a comment on their slant on information???
A good teacher can balance the good and the bad and conversation is good but some may use the information in a perfunctory way and not include discussion about the whole issue.
Frances,
I know that fertilzer use is a touchy subject. This is why I list the companies upfront in the post. The material is slanted towards the use of fertilizers while also recognizing that some consider manufactured fertilizers to be dangerous. Teachers have to decide for themselves which materials to use and which not to use, as well as how to present it.
Thank you for your comments.
With respect, I am also very concerned about the respective weight ostensibly given to fertilizers in the proposed materials. “Recognizing that some consider manufactured fertilizers to be dangerous” is not the same as giving equal weight to organic and/or sustainable agriculture/gardening within the curriculum. I live in an agricultural area and see first-hand the deleterious effect on our pond due to the overuse of fertilizers on nearby farms. The runoff has created severe algae blooms and accumulation of pond scum. While we ourselves use no chemicals or artificial fertilizers on our grounds and vegetable gardens, we are nevertheless powerless to protect the pond, which supports a very wide range of species, from birds to invertebrates. It pains me to see the great blue heron fishing in a less than pristine habitat. I wonder about the effects of this runoff on the fish, amphibians, numerous dragonfly species, the birds and small mammals, all of which use the pond as a source of life and sustenance.
I would never teach children with materials provided by makers of fertilizers — we need to begin to find alternatives that sustain the land rather than becoming overly dependent on the chemical industry. Please understand that I think Art Plantae is a terrific resource, and a wonderful site. I just feel strongly about this issue.
Kathy,
Thank you for your comments. I appreciate the time you took to write.
I know fertilizer use is a sensitive topic. It also provides many opportunities for discussion, as we are beginning to see here. This single topic can lead to conversations about monocrops, permaculture, water use, water runoff, population dynamics, culture and much more.
The Foundation offering these free materials represents the fertilizer industry. Materials about organic gardening practices are available from other sources. Your comments and concerns prompt me to ask this question:
Readers, which resources do you use for your classroom garden?
Post your resource(s) (complete with Web address) below. Thank you.