Gardener vs. Robot

Can a robot garden? What can soil chemistry tell us? How to gardeners make sure plants have what they need?

In this workshop, students will use the scientific method to investigate if robots really can care for plants and produce thriving gardens. This workshop will start with a Science Park Garden tour where students will make observations and learn about the differences in gardening methods between two raised garden bed sites – one cared for solely by a human gardener and one where our gardener tends to the bed with M.I.C. robot – Science World’s resident Farm.bot. In the canopy, students will then collaboratively write a hypothesis based on their observations on how these two different gardening methods impact their group’s chosen parameter of garden success (e.g, soil conditions – like pH, soil biodiversity, plant health, or gardening effectiveness). Working in groups of three, students will conduct tests to confirm or revise their group’s hypothesis and predictions. Coming back together as a class, we then visualize all the data amongst the groups in a class-wide data table and have a class-wide discuss about the different or similar conclusions groups reached and on which dimensions different gardening techniques were successful.  Students will leave energized to ideate about possible improvements to the robot and understand how intricate and complex garden beds truly can be.

Grade Levels

Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9

Curriculum Links

• Grade 6 – Chemistry – Mixtures   
• Grade 7 – Chemistry – Elements | Biology – Survival needs   
• Grade 8 – Biology – Characteristics of life
• Grade 9 – Earth / Space – Matter cycles within biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems

Availability

• 10:30, 12:00
• Monday - Friday
• October 1, 2025 - November 15, 2025 & April 6th, 2026 – June 19th, 2026

Language

• English

Additional Information

Check out what requirements you’ll need to book a field trip on our Field Trip page.

• Maximum class size is 30. Please note, students will be working in groups of 2-3 students for this workshop.
• Teachers and chaperones are required to remain present during the workshop to assist with material distribution, facilitation, and behaviour management.
• This workshop will take place in our Community Canopy outside in the Science Park rain or shine. Please ensure your students are prepared appropriately. For rainy days, please use rain jackets instead of umbrellas as it limits other student’s vision. 

Pre-Workshop Activity (optional)

• After the workshop, extend your classes learning with this Post-Workshop Activity