Learning Activity

Watch Me Grow

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

2

Overview

In this activity, students will be placed in groups with each group being assigned to test a different variable related to plant growth. Students will carry out an investigation using one variable at a time (water, light, soil, or air), to determine the growth needs of plants. At the conclusion of the activity, students will be able to identify things that a plant requires to grow.

This learning activity was created as a result of the Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) Resource Development Project, in partnership with Dothan City Schools.

Science (2015) Grade(s): 2

SC15.2.5

Plan and carry out an investigation, using one variable at a time (e.g., water, light, soil, air), to determine the growth needs of plants.

Unpacked Content

UP:SC15.2.5

Vocabulary

  • Investigation
  • Variable
  • Water
  • Light
  • Soil
  • Air
  • Nutrients
  • Causes
  • Effects
  • Isolate

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Basic growth needs of plants include water, nutrients, light, and air.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Conduct an investigation to produce data used as evidence.
  • Determine the growth needs of plants.
  • Collaboratively develop an investigation plan that describes key features of the investigation and isolates variables as needed.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • There are observable patterns present in the growth of plants that can be used to determine the needs of plants.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Planning and Carrying out Investigations

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

The students will plan and carry out an investigation, using one variable at a time (e.g., water, light, soil, and air), to determine the growth needs of a plant.

Activity Details

  1. The teacher will review the key vocabulary needed to complete the learning objective: life cycle, variable, and hypothesis. 
  2. The teacher will show a YouTube learning video “What do Plants Need to Grow?” The teacher will stop the video along the way as students complete the steps. This should take approximately 2 lessons. 
  3. The teacher will show the video “The Steps of the Scientific Method for Kids.” This video will be shown prior to the children needing each step of the scientific method. 
  4. The teacher will assign students to cooperative learning groups of no more than four students. Each student will have a job responsibility:
  • The material leader will gather all the materials needed to complete the investigation. This person could be your at-risk student. 
  • The note taker will be the person who writes in the journal and makes notations on what they see. This person should be a strong writer. 
  • The instruction reader will make sure that everyone stays on task and follows the directions correctly. This person should be a strong reader.
  • The application leader will need to be good with their hands. This person may also be the group leader. 
  1. The teacher will model how to use the science materials properly when planting seeds. 
  2. In their cooperative learning groups, students will work together to plant seeds in the milk cartons. 
  • Group 1- Plant seed in soil and place it in a window so that it will get light and water. 
  • Group 2-Plant seed in soil and place in a closet so it will get no light, will get water
  • Group 3-Plant seed in soil and place the container in a plastic baggie so that it will get no air and water.  
  • Group 4-Plant seed in soil and place on the counter and it will receive no water.
  1. The teacher will observe the students in their groups using a running record. 
  2. The students will record their findings in their science journals and draw pictures as they observe plant growth over the ten-day period.
Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will observe students in their groups as they are planting the seeds and discussing hypotheses and recording in their science journals. 

The teacher will observe students each time they make observations of the seed progress and listen to discussions while he/she is taking anecdotal notes on student discussion and asking questions. 

There will be a final class presentation from each group about their findings. After observing plants for ten days, each group will present their findings by describing if their plant grew and the plant's current condition. After all groups have presented, each student will complete an exit ticket with this information: In order for a plan to grow, it needs __________, ________, and __________. We know this because we saw ____________________ during our experiment.

Acceleration

Students who have mastered the skills can expand their thinking by determining any other variables that might affect plant growth in a positive or negative way.

Intervention

At-risk students will be in a cooperative learning group with other students to ensure that they remain on task.

At-risk students can complete a graphic organizer to show what plants need in order to grow. 

What do plants need to grow?

Variation Tips

This activity requires studnt observation over ten days.

Approximate Duration

Total Duration

46 to 60 Minutes

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

Students should have gained some understanding of the life of a plant and the parts of a plant from kindergarten and first grade. If students do not possess this background knowledge, the teacher may want to review this information with students prior to beginning the activity.

The teacher needs to divide students into groups of no more than four students and assign each group member a role (see activity procedures).

Materials and Resources

Materials and Resources

  1. Access to YouTube videos and the ability to play videos for the class (interactive whiteboard or computer/projector)
  2. One pint-size milk carton for each group of four students (save from lunch or breakfast and wash out)
  3. Small plastic baggies
  4. Plant seeds (corn and sunflower seeds)
  5. Planting soil
  6. Science journals
  7. Crayons or markers
  8. Water/Spray Bottles

 

Digital Tools / Resources

What do Plants Need to Grow? PBS Video
https://youtu.be/0nDBQ1zNcMg
The Steps of the Scientific Methods for Kids - Science for Children Video
https://youtu.be/qAJ8IF4HI20

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

tigarst
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