Thoughts from my Gardens

Finding examples that bridge archives and science is a challenge. This example was a deliberate attempt to demonstrate that archives hold material that may be relevant to 'non-traditional' disciplines, such as biology. Using the scenario for the Flora of Nova Scotia, this activity was developed specifically for a conference to show that teaching with primary sources can be creatively extended to the sciences.

Ingredients:

Original papers from one fonds, that of gardener Asta Antoft: a booklet, the booklet’s manuscript, articles, letters, advertisements, and letters. Use other items from the fonds, if appropriate

Method:

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Exercise time: 35-50 minutes

1. Distribute the materials, allowing the students time to review them as a group activity. Explain that Asta Antoft, wife and mother, left Denmark for Canada in 1930, and spent a lifetime becoming a master gardener.
2. Distribute the following questions to the groups:

·         What is the date(s) of this material?

·         What do I expect of this title(s)?

·         What is the purpose of this research?

·         What is the intended audience of the material?

·         What is one spark-point or one thing that you have learned?

·         Select an item. Is this a primary or secondary source? Defend your choice.    

Allow time for the students to work with the material and think about the questions.

4. Open the discussion to the larger group.
5.  In a conference setting, follow up this exercise with the question, “Why should a third year biology class seek out these particular resources to learn more about the flora of Nova Scotia?”, and continue the discussion.