Backyard Getaway

Expo Project

Student Instruction Guide and Checklist

Welcome to Backyard Getaway. Get ready to plan the perfect backyard

oasis for you to relax and enjoy!

You have an unlimited budget, but you are limited to one acre

Everything is Due May 12, and class (GT class) presentations will

happen that week.

Atascocita Springs is having their own Expo on May 19 at 6:00 in our

Gym/Cafeteria.

Your Required Tasks

Component 1: Building Your Portfolio

Organizing your portfolio – To build your project portfolio, you will

need specific supplies and artifacts from the activities listed below.

1. 1” Three Ring Binder Preferably with a front cover sleeve to

insert your cover page. This will hold the components of your

portfolio

2. Cover Page Create an eye-catching cover page that includes the

title of your project and your name

3. Table of Contents List all of the artifacts in your portfolio

including the page numbers. Do this last.

4. Climate and Terrain Analyze the range of climates and terrains

found in our own state or country. Choose 3-5 climates and

terrains that you would like in your backyard. Create a table

showing the characteristics you found.

5. Physical Map Create a physical map. Your backyard can have

any shape as long as it is one acre. Make sure to include a scale in

feet, yards, OR meters.

6. Road Map Create a road map of your backyard. This is more

detailed than the physical map, and includes descriptions of the

areas (relaxation area, garden, house, water habitat). Create a key

with symbols if needed.

7. Relaxation Area Reflect on and make a list of activities and

items that are relaxing to you (reading, music, exercise, foods, art,

animals). Find ways to incorporate these activities in to your

relaxation area.

8. Relaxation Area Diorama Create a diorama of how your

rlaxation area will look. Include the relaxation activities. This will

be a separate item.

9. Water Habitat Research types of water habitats and ecosystems

found within each habitat. Choose one specific animal at the

bottom or top of the food chain in your water habitat. Fine of

create pictures of the other animals in that food chain. Organize

them into a visual food chain chart complete with arrows, labels,

and a title.

CHECK IT!

Optional create a watercolor artwork of your water habitat. Be

sure to include all plant and animal life in and around your

water habitat.

10. Flower or Food Garden Decide whether you want a

flower garden or food garden. Create a T-chart and list positive

and negative aspects of each. Based on your chart, decide which

you will have and explain your choice below the chart.

11. Flower or Food Garden Flipbook Choose at least 10 flowers

or foods that will be in your garden. Research your choices and

decide where you need to place them in your garden. Make a

flipbook with pictures of the plants.

Component 2: Create your Exhibit

Organizing your exhibit Now it’s time to pretend you are back from

your journey. In this component, you will creatively display your trip!

You will need to use the facts learned about your destination as well as

your imagination to complete the following four exhibit items.

Have fun!

1. Backyard Getaway Model Create a miniature model of your

backyard. Label each area and make it as detailed as possible.

2. Display Board Use a large two or three panel display board to

create an advertisement for your Backyard Getaway. You may add

any of the required items or any additional items that you wish.

3. Exhibit Arrange your portfolio, relaxation diorama, flower or

food garden flipbook, Backyard Getaway model, and any

additional materials you wish to include in an appealing and

informative way.

*refer to Examples of Exhibit Items page for items listed 1-3

Component 3: Your Presentation

Sharing what you’ve learned Now that you have designed

your backyard, it is time to share your experience with others. You

will give an oral presentation highlighting important information

about your getaway, as well as your research and planning

experience. You will have up to 15 minutes to present. Practice

your presentation, but do not memorize it word-for-word! Things

to include during your oral presentation are:

• Climate and terrain choices and your reasoning for making

these choices.

• Physical and Road maps. Present the features found on

each.

• Explain why you chose the food or flower garden. Review

each plant you chose.

• Highlight the areas found in your backyard.

• Show your portfolio

Examples of Exhibit Items