Can you grow a plant?

Webquest created by:  Julia Evans, Luz Gillis, and Claudia Melendez-Yanez

The target level of this webquest is for second grade students. They will learn what the best conditions are to grow a seed into a plant. Students will work in groups of four, and each student will have a specific role in the process. Normally it is best to give this project at least one month to complete.  This is the whole group discussion/scaffolding we will have in class.

WHOLE GROUP:

We know you are excited about our mission so let’s get it started in here!

Let’s have a popcorn discussion about what we know about OPENING ACTIVITY

1.    plants, their needs, the best growing conditions and the life cycle of a plant. Let’s develop a KWL chart so we can fill out what we KNOW, WANT TO LEARN and we will revisit it at the end to fill out all the fun facts we LEARNED in our project.

2.  Let’s discuss our rubric so that you have the end-product in mind and know what you will be graded/assessed on

3.  ENGAGE: Teacher brings in a real live plant. Teacher will ask students: What are the parts of a plant? Which part do they think is the beginning part of the plant? What do they think are the stages of a plant cycle? Concepts:

A) Plants have life cycles

B) Plant goes through stages of growth and development that includes seed, young plant, and adult plant

4.  EXPLORE: In groups, students will plant the seeds in the school garden. Before going to the garden, students will learn about:

A) Plot assigned

B) Collection of gardening tools.   Helpful website below: http://www.wackyworldsof.com/child-gardening-gloves

 

C) Digging soil, planting seed, installing plastic labels

5.  EXPLAIN: Students will explain that seeds need various items in order to grow.

A) Seeds needs air, water, and warmth.

B) Plants need air, water, sunlight, and nutrients in order to live and thrive.

6.  EXPAND: Teacher asks students the following questions and students pick one topic to do a creative writing journal entry.

A) What happens if there is no water?

B) In places where farmers grow crops, what happens if there is a drought?

C) If I grow a seed in the cupboard or a closet, will it germinate?

D) If you could plant a seed of anything what would it be? Why?

E) Students will make their own greenhouse using a plastic bag, wet paper towel, and a pinto bean.

F) Teacher will ask:

-       Will the bean grow into a plant with only a damp rag?

-       Does the bean need sunlight to germinate?

7. EVALUATE:

• Mini True/False quiz to assess each day’s understanding. Through the course of the lesson, students will make a folder entitled “All About Plants”

• Over the weeks, students will:

– Write down when they have watered their plant

– Measure the heights of the plant during its growth.

– Keep a journal to illustrate each stage of growth

– Let’s make sure everybody is working, learning and having fun!