Unit 2: Planting the Seed

seed

This unit is focused on plant identification, classifications, environment, and design. Creating a planter box will be a part of this unit's process. Students will learn about plants while designing and building a box planter. The first activity will start with basic sketching, so that students can communicate their technical design clearly with construction planing standards.

Course Units and Descriptions

Use this table for an overview and navigate to each of the course unit pages.

Unit Description
Review course outline for more details
1 Green Industries Intro & Safety- Intro, organization, and safety
2 Planting the Seed- design, sketching, building planter for herbs
3 Landscaping Design & Practice - design, planting, caring of landscape

Unit Activity Quick Links, Click to Jump to the Specific Activity!

  1. Unit 2, Activity 1: Sketching Your Planter Design
  2. Unit 2, Act. 2: Building In 3D
  3. Unit 2, Act. 3: Constructing Planter and Putting to Work

- TOP - Unit 2, Act. 1: Sketching Your Planter Design

Situation:

A class of students interested in the Greens Industry have taken a course to find out what it is all about. One of the major areas to cover is plants, and one way to explore this is by designing and making your own planter for the purpose to grow herbs for use in the kitchen. This will allow students to use their planter in their own kitchen, to grow several herbs to freshly use with recipes while making different food servings.. First step is to design your planter and for that we will need to practice some sketching.

Planter

Problem/Challenge:

Practice your sketching techniques with sketching practice assignments listed below, then use this new skill and experience to create your own planter design.

  • Basic Sketching
  • Basic Shapes Sketching
  • Orthographic Sketching

Once you have completed all three practice assignments, you are to design a planter that will fit on the window sill close or near your kitchen where the planter will be able to get lots of light, be easy to get to for watering, maintaining, and care. The size will be determined by your planned location you will be keeping this, in your home. Maximum size restriction will be 28" long by 7 " wide by 7" high using pinewood with a thickness of 3/4". The shape should be rectangular to accommodate the window sill it will be sitting in.

You will need to come up with five different thumbnail ISO sketch ideas on what your planter may look like, and include approximate dimensions. Your final design is to be neatly sketched out on a landscape sheet of paper showing your design with 3 orthographic views and one isomeric view. The orthographic sketch must also show overall and detail dimensions in imperial dimensions

Investigation/Ideas:

Technical sketching is used in all kinds of situations. Thumbnails are where ideas initially start... some of the greatest ideas started on a napkin in a restaurant for example. Full size sketches take a little more work and formality to the steps of creating a clean technical sketch. Below are several resources you may check out all related to technical sketching:

Here are some links to different planter box tutorials and related designs:. Here you can figure out what kind of design you are thinking of doing.

Below are some different planter ideas.

planter

Sample 1

planter

Sample 2

planter

Sample 3

planter

Sample 4

Sample Showing Thumbnail Sketching of 5 different Planters

Below show the basic steps to create 5 planter ideas. Start with a base line and draw your two 30 degree angles. Use one vertical to get your "corner building" look, then start sketching the rest of your idea, keeping in mind your sketching shapes practice exercise. All five of your ideas must be different, each named based on their design, and remember to include information about your location and the amount of room you will have in, for example, your kitchen window sill.

Sketches

Construction lines

Sketches

Object lines

Sample Sketching Steps for Orthographic Final Planter Design

Show below are the steps you should be taking to properly finish your orthographic final planter sketch design.

  1. Step 1, using construction lines, map out where you will be drawing each of the views. Remember to keep the sizing relative to each other
  2. Step 2, lightly sketch in your object views with all of your features. There should be at least 4 water release holes at the bottom of your planter, just -in -case you over water
  3. Step 3, sketch your isometric of your final idea and rough-in your dimensions - overall and detail dimensions
  4. Step 4, darken all object view lines - orthographic and isometric, so it is clear to see what your object is. Ensure that the dimensions are also darken for easy view

Sketches

Step 1

Sketches

Step 2

Sketches

step 3

Sketches

Step 4

Create/Construct:


Sketching Exercises

The following sketching basics and sketching shape assignments are to be practiced in class and handed in for check, before moving on to the next sketch assignment. You will need blank paper and a pencil to complete the following assignments.:

Sketching Basics

Sketching
Basics

Sketching Shapes

Sketching
Shapes

Orthographic Sketch Sample Note

The following three images below, show a third angle projected orthographic sketch with dimensions using a standard "step block" shape with a circular hole going through the center of the bottom step.

  1. Using a full blank page, start drawing the layout, then add the dimensions, and then label all the related terms associated orthographic projected views and dimensioning.
  2. On the back copy the section below titled "Selecting Front View" with the three rules selecting a front view
  3. Bring ortho note to teacher to check (mark) before starting step 4
  4. Select a block sample, select the front view, sketch out the front, top, and right side view showing overall and detailed dimensions as in previous graphic note. No need for labels.
  5. Sketch the isometric in the top right corner.
  6. Bring to teacher to mark

Tip Remember your sketching techniques you learned above while you sketch this out:

Sketching Ortho Drawing

Sketching
Ortho-Layout

Sketching Ortho Dimensioning

Sketching
Ortho-dimensions

Sketching Ortho Components labeled

Sketching
Ortho-Terminology

blocks

Block Samples
Ortho-Practice

Selecting Front View

When deciding which view is to be used for the front view, three rules are used to determine this. You must look at the object you are going to draw or sketch and decide which view shows the:

  1. the most detail
  2. length across the page (layout usually in landscape format
  3. least amount of hidden lines
Generating Planter Thumbnail ideas

You are to come up;with five different planter shape ideas, keeping in mind planter dimension restrictions Sketch these out on a single sheet showing detail designs in isometric format. Make any necessary notes and title each sketch based on your design, i.e. give it a design name.

Final Orthographic Planter Design

You need to decide what size and look you want for your planter. This must be based on the best window setting with maximum sun coverage..

  1. Decide on size and shape of planter, most likely rectangular.
  2. Remember to select the proper front view for the orthographic sketch
  3. Use construction lines first to line up each view and their features
  4. Use object lines to show actual design views
  5. Ensure you show necessary overall an detail dimensions
  6. Sketch out your isometric

Evaluation:

You will be evaluated based on the completion of the above sketching assignments.

Target
Evaluation Breakdown Component Descriptions Marks
Always double check that you have completed all components for full marks.
Sketching Basics - clean, straight lines, and smooth round circle curves 10
Sketching Shapes - clear shapes sketched with correct angles, lines, and shapes 12
Orthographic Sketch Note - 3 ortho views with all labels & 1 isometric sketch 15
Orthographic Custom Block - 3 ortho views with dimensions & isometric sketched 15
5 Isometric Sketches - isometric sketches, different ideas, sizes to fit 15
Orthographic Planter - 3 ortho views with dimensions & 1 isometric sketch 20

- TOP - Unit 2, Act. 2: Building In 3D

Situation:

Before building a planned project such as the herb planter, it is really great to be able to see what it looks like and how it fits by using 3D CAD to make sure it all fits and you are able to fine tune your project design easily.

Problem/Challenge:

Create a 3D CAD of your planter using Sketchup. Each part is to be grouped separately and dimension as you go. Dimension based on your orthographic that you previously made and has been marked. Decide on what type of joint you are going to do. Butt joints are the simplest, but if just glued do not hold very well. Ensure that you have your wood joints as you would build / make your planter. You will need an isometric view with overall dimensions. Also create a separate file showing your planter in exploded view, and show parts separated length wise with dimensions, and planter end views with dimensions. Each view must also be exported out in JPG format., 1200 pixels wide by constrained height.

Investigation/Ideas:

You need to consider the wood joints you will be making for your project. A butt joint may not be good enough and using just glue will not hold together well. It is a good idea to consider the dado joint as finger joints will be difficult to do in the shop we will be in. Below are some links that you may review if you need to review how Sketchup works.:

  1. Official Sketchup video support site
  2. 12 Short video's on the basics
  3. Sample sub-woofer build
  4. Detailed look at set-up and basic drawing
  5. Exporting to JPG
  6. All about printing
Example of a Toolbox Planter Style

Below show samples of different wood joints you could use on you planter and sample Sketchup layouts that are required.


planter

Wood Joints

planter

Planter 3D

planter

Planter Exploded

planter

Planter Side Dim.

planter

Planter End Dim.

Example of a Simple Planter Box

This is the format you are to follow to create your own set of views. For those who would like to design and build a simple planter, this is a sample of a simple planter box..


planter

Planter 3D

planter

Exploded View

planter

Front Ortho

planter

Side Ortho

planter

Bottom Ortho


Note for the above planters, holes would still have to be also shown in your 3D model and ortho view of bottom piece. Pay close attention to the joints and how the separate pieces would be cut and put together. When you are finished you will need to put the exploded, front , side, and bottom view on a single sheet for printing. This will allow you to have your dimensions of your planter handy when you create your planter box in the next activity.

 

Tools You Will be Working With:
  • Templates - select appropriate one for easy start-up
  • Large Tool bar - found under View menu > Tool bars, then select it to view and use them
  • Select tool - to select drawing features/objects
  • Zoom - roll your mouse
  • Pan - press middle mouse and shift key
  • Draw then enter dimensions via keyboard for exact sizing of parts
  • Line, rectangle, and circle tools - for drawing basic shapes
  • Tape measure - to measure and insert guide lines
  • Eraser- to delete line segments, guide lines, and/or objects
  • Push/pull - create z axis 3D shape
  • Move and rotation tool
  • Group - once you have made a part, you should group it as a unique part
  • Component - similar to group, but used to make several of the same part and only have to edit one, all will change
  • Dimension - use to draw in dimensions by picking two points and dragging out
  • Flipping objects - for use to flip or mirror, by right clicking and selecting option
  • Copy and paste whole components or groups
  • Hide - you can hide groups or components by right clicking and selecting in menu, un-hide same process
  • ISO and Ortho views - found under Camera menu > Standard views
  • Perspective - default view when you are drawing
  • Parallel projection - for creating ortho views with dimensions
  • Export - Found under File menu > export to create JPG images of current view

Create/Construct:

StepBlock Exercise

Here is a practice assignment to try first before attempting to create your planter design. Follow the steps below.

  1. Select template: Product Design and Woodworking – Millimeters
  2. Draw a rectangle using the Rectangle tool, type the exact height, press enter
  3. Use the zoom extents icon to re-size, re-draw and center your object at any time
  4. Use the push/pull tool to pull up the object up, type the exact height, press enter
  5. Finish the rest of the block using the same tools/process
  6. Tip: use the tape measure to find centre for hole.
  7. Create/show dimensions by selecting the menu tools, and dimensioning
  8. Show overall and detail dimensions
  9. Save in proper file format in two file types: SKP and JPG formats
  10. Use File > Export > 2D Graphics for creating the JPG

Tip: ensure view is centred and full screen prior to exporting to jpg



Sample 3D
Step Block

2D Step Block sample

When you are finished check with two peers to ensure you have completed the tutorial correctly. When handing in any files, you will submit it in the student drop-off -folder. Ensure the file extension is correct and present. Here are some examples of file name you should be using:

  • Google Sketchup file name example: d-joe_3Dstepblock.skp
  • JPG - Joint Photographic Experts Group file name example: d-joe_3Dstepblock.jpg
Planter Design build

At this point if you have your orthographic completed and have had it checked your instructor, you may start creating it here. If you are not done, start drawing the simple planter box sample above, so that you may have a design to work with and build.

Click here to download PDF printed file
  1. Open Sketchup and select template on splash window for Product Design and Woodworking - inches
  2. If you miss this window, you can still open template through Window menu, select Preferences
  3. Select start-up, if you end up wit a person in the middle of your workspace, select and delete
  4. Expand/maximize your window to full screen for easier working
  5. Ensure units are good, go to Window menu, select Model Info, select units, and adjust if needed
  6. If Tool bar is not visible, select Menu View, select Tool Palets, select Large Toolset
  7. Start by creating your bottom planter piece, use rectangle tool
  8. Click in the centre of all axis, and start to draw, then enter in your piece's dimensions x, y then hit enter.
  9. Use the push/pull tool to pull up a little, then type in your thickness 0.75 (in inches)
  10. Using your tape measure, measure out from all sides 1 3/8" and 9 5/8" for centre to create your 3/8" drain holes
  11. Select your piece using a marquee, then right click and make it a group (this keeps it a separate entity)
  12. Congratulations, you have made your first piece. Do the same building the rest of your planter exploring different tools as needed.
  13. You will need to finish making all the rest of your parts, build it, place in ISO view, then dimension overall views, Save as..., then export JPG
  14. Create and exploded view, Save as..., then export JPG
  15. Then arrange planter ortho views, dimension with appropriate amount, Save as and also export JPG
  16. Custom planters will need a printed file of exploded, front, side, and bottom views showing dimensions on a single letter sized paper, use system printer and make sure all four images are selected and have four on one page selected and print (no printer - then send your instructor the digital version to print later)

TipDouble check your images are 1200 Pixels wide by constrained height in JPG format with appropriate file name as below in mark breakdown with your name - example: planter-3d-iso-d-joe.skp, planter-3d-iso-d-joe.jpg

Evaluation:

You will be evaluated based on the planter drawing - accuracy, placement, view, and with your dimensions - the number of, neatness, lined-up, and organized.

Target
Evaluation Breakdown Component Descriptions Marks
Always double check that you have completed all components for full marks.
Step Block ISO- Isometric with overall dimensions neatly placed and lined up 10
Planter-3D-ISO- Isometric with overall dimensions neatly placed and lined up 20
Planter-3D-Exp- Isometric with parts exploded apart showing all joints 5
Planter Ortho Dim- Sides & bottom ortho views with overall and detail dimensions 15
Planter-Print-out- Exploded and ortho views of above views/dimensions printed 5
Planter

- TOP - Unit 2, Act. 3: Constructing Planter and Putting to Work

Situation:

Now that you have virtually designed your planter, it is time to build and put it use with some common herbs that are commonly used in the kitchen.

Problem/Challenge:

Using 3/4" pinewood sides and 1/2" plywood bottom, learning about some basic wood cutting machine and tools, cut out and build your planter. Then you are to put a sealer/finish to protect the wood, create a vapour barrier inside up to edges with at least 6 1/4 -3/8" drain holes, then fill with an inch of gravel, weed cloth, then potting soil, with fertilizer and 4-5 different herb seeds. To decide on herb types and plant growth, a research mind-map (sample html - PDF) is to be created to show plant classifications, plant growth, plant care, and its environment. Once planter is seeded, it will need daily watering and be placed in a sunny location with a warm temperature to promote growth. You need to keep your work area clean, tools will be expected to be put back, and work in a safe mature manner.

herbs

Investigation/Ideas:

safety

Safety is paramount and each machine must be operated in a safe manner. Prior to use of these woodworking machines and tools students will learn about the parts, safe operation, and demonstrate understanding of proper use of each piece of equipment. For this reason you will need to track and fill out related paperwork and fill in a passport tracking sheet in order to keep track of and confirm that you have been properly trained prior to use of that tool or equipment.

Woodworking Machine Use and Safety
shop machines

Possible power tools and equipment you may be using depending on your planter design, the band saw, disk sander, mitre saw, router, drill press, and table saw may be used. The table saw is the most dangerous of all the equipment. Power tools and equipment will only be used only after student shows knowledge of parts, safe operation steps, and clearly demonstrates safe operation. In addition to live demo's in class you may review videos below to reinforce and support your familiarization and safe operation of these machines.


hand tools
Woodworking Tool Use and Safety

Depending on your design and build process, certain hand tools will help you get your planter completed. Each hand tool has the flexibility to be used in different manners, but using the right tool will benefit the work, reduce the time to complete the process, and the quality of the end product. Below is a list of common tools that you may need to use.

Materials, Sealant and Finishing
planter finish

We will be using rough pine which will be planed down to about 3/4" and some 1/2" or 3/8" plywood. Depending on the sizes available at the time of build you may have to make some minor dimension changes to allow pieces to fit together. For sealing the wood, depending on availability, either a stain/varathane or a flat colour primer with top coat may be used. This will prevent the wood from rotting and protect the wood from outside elements.

For the fill of the planter, you will need soil, vapour barrier or sort, crushed gravel, pot soil. The following links will help you with creating a sectional view of how your planter should look once it is set-up properly to receive herbs you have chosen.

Plant Growing Process
plant growing process

Before planting your herbs, it is important to have an over view of plants, their classifications, how they grow, and care/maintenance of plants. Below are some links to help you get started on your one page report.

Mind Mapping Online Software

Here are some links to common mind mapping software that will allow you to create your own mind map all about Plants. Your main central topic is Plants with sub points showing classifications, growth process/cycle, care, environment. The Youtube video sample shows you what and how to create a mind map using the first online mind mapping link below:


Create/Construct:

Three major steps will include cutting your wood to the right sizes and creating joint features, then gluing together and letting it dry, finishing with a coat of sealant: You will need to fill out the following handouts and demonstrate proper use of the following machines:

    Ladder steps Safety Guidline
  1. Complete all required safety sheets on machine tools and review the safety guideline to the right.
  2. Ensure you have all of single sheet planter sheet that shows exploded, front, side, and bottom view sheet with you.
  3. Plan out your cuts with your material , then "measure twice" and "cut-once" your largest pieces to your smallest pieces
  4. Always double check your measurements prior and after cuts
  5. Sketch a full page right side sectional view of your planter showing how to fill a planter properly with paragraph exlpaination. Include in the sectional view drainage holes also
  6. Drill out your water drain holes with a 1/4" to 1/2" holes
  7. Check if all parts are going to fit together properly prior to gluing
  8. Use appropriate screws/clamps/straps for holding glued members together
  9. Sand all rough sharp edges down and prepare surface for sealing in with a wood sealant/protector
  10. Prepare work area to paint with ventilation, temporary stands, drop paper, and painting utensils
  11. Paint your planter with even brush strokes, most likely will need two coats, let dry in between, sand, clean, and repaint
  12. Research and decide on which 4-5 herb plants you are going to plant in your planter. You will be responsible to take care of it till the end of school
  13. Write up a 1 page report in the form of a mind-map on plant classifications, plant growth process cycle, plant care, and plant environment which should show text and may also include picture/illustrations. Make sure you can download /save for handing in once you are done

Evaluation:

Safety and proper procedures will be a focus, for project process for marks.

Success
Evaluation Breakdown Component Descriptions Marks
Always double check that you have completed all components for full marks.
Equipment- Parts filled in, highlighted points, signatures, and safety passport 25
Safety Test- Equipment parts, safe machine operation, use of tools, and procedures 15
Planter Pieces Cut- Process, measuring, cuts, and accuracy 25
Planter Built- Fit, glue amount, construction, and edges sanded 25
Planter Finish- Completely sealed, even coat, 15
Planter-Sectional View- Full page sketch with labels, fill materials, and set-up 10
Plant Mind Map Report- Plant Classifications, illustrations, growth process, and plant care. 25