By Jan Delcker, University of Mannheim
The GREENCODE project aims to nurture environmental awareness and innovative thinking in young children. One of its standout activities is “Gardens,” which combines hands-on discovery with educational robotics and inquiry-based learning. This activity is designed for early childhood education and encourages children to explore the natural world, discover the important relationship between bees and flowers, and develop basic coding skills through playful engagement.
In “Gardens,” children learn that a garden is much more than just a pretty place. Gardens are living ecosystems, home to many different plants and animals that interact in unique ways. The central theme of the activity is the partnership between bees and flowering plants. Bees play a key role as pollinators. Their work helps plants grow, reproduce, and produce fruits and vegetables that people and animals depend on. By exploring this relationship, children begin to understand how biodiversity and cooperation are necessary for healthy gardens.
The activity starts with a visit to a local garden, a flower field, or a beekeeper. Children use all of their senses as they explore. They look at the colors and shapes of plants and insects, listen to the sounds of the environment, touch different textures, and taste honey produced by bees. Teachers guide the children’s observations by asking questions such as, “What color is this flower?” or “How many legs does this insect have?” These questions encourage children to pay attention to details and talk about what they find.
Documentation is also an important part of the experience. Children use cameras or tablets to take photos and videos, and they may draw pictures of their favorite plants or insects. Describing the sounds and scents they notice helps them remember and reflect on their discoveries later. This creative documentation supports learning and encourages children to share their experiences with others.
A key highlight of “Gardens” is the use of educational robotics. Children work with Bee-Bot robots to model how bees move from flower to flower. They learn to program the Bee-Bot to follow a path on a grid that represents a field of flowers. This process involves experimenting with different sequences, making predictions, and correcting mistakes. By working together and trying out their ideas, children practice basic coding and logical thinking in a hands-on way. The robotics activity also mirrors the cooperation seen in real bee communities.
Throughout the activity, discussion and reflection help deepen understanding. Teachers encourage children to compare the behavior of real bees with the movements of the Bee-Bot. Children talk about the importance of bees for the health of gardens and consider ways they can help support bees and plants in their own neighborhoods.
The “Gardens” activity blends sensory exploration, environmental science, and digital skills. It gives young learners the chance to develop curiosity, creativity, and care for nature while learning through play and inquiry.