Project Goal
For my contextualization project I decided to take a look at plant propagation and how mental health relates to houseplants. This research-based project was focused on the thinking skill contextualization. I started by finding the information needed to propagate plants and then moved onto research regarding the effects of plants in a home or work area. After I had a solid base for my research, I started to look for vessels that could house the plants I was propagating. After another week of research, planning, and gathering my materials, I built an Instagram page to sell my houseplants. This page contained all of the information I gathered during my research so that the customers could learn about my project. Below is the instagram link of my website with the permanent stories and pictures of the plants.
My instagram page
Art
For my art portion, I decided to create a new idea with plants. While propagating my plants, I decided that I wanted to plant the plants in anything, except a pot. I traveled to different thrift stores and dollar stores to look for things that would work. After collecting all of these containers, I started to realize that there are so many ideas that could come to life. On my Instagram page, there are photos of all of the potted plants that I ended up with. I used mugs, mason jars, glass containers, a teapot, cans and bowls. This helped me develop my idea of contextualization within my project.
English - Propagating plants
I decided to research and experience plant propagation for my english portion. I started by getting an understanding of how plants are propagated and the I researched the different kinds of plants that are able to be propagated. I started taking trimmings immediately and logged my process throughout growing them. After this, I started to work on my Instagram page. The story includes how to propagate plants and why it's so easy. Below is an explanation as to why I chose Instagram for my platform.
History
I learned about how houseplants can affect mental health for my history portion. I started by researching what can be improved and how it happens. I went down a rabbit hole of mental health and how the pandemic effected everyone, then I started to apply my knowledge to my Instagram page. The story is composed of informational slides that are available for the customers to read. I think the information is really helpful because people don't realize that there are direct benefits that come with houseplants, whether it's in a home or work area. The story focusses on the different types of mental illnesses that houseplants may improve.