Instructor Name: Heather Cooper

Grade Level(s): 3rd-5th

Content Area(s): Science

Curriculum State Standard(s):

Goal 3.2: Understand the Relationship between Matter and Energy in Living Systems

5.S.3.2.1 Communicate how plants convert energy from the Sun through photosynthesis.

Objectives:

Students will:

 Participate with hands-on instruction

 Work with a partner to create a sustainable terrarium
 Follow instructions on-screen
 Learn about condensation, precipitation, and photosynthesis
 Make observations based on pre-made terrariums
 Accurately label the water cycle and photosynthesis process
 Participate in an open discussion about the importance of the water cycle and the sun

Materials/Equipment needed:

 12 large plastic bottles

 Pea gravel
 Soil
 Plants
 Rocks
 Plastic wrap
 Plastic table cloths
 ACTIVITY LESSON NAME:

Procedure Time

Part 1: What? 5 min

1. Discuss the water cycle and photosynthesis
2. Introduce vocab words; precipitation, condensation, evaporation,
photosynthesis with accompanying pictures on PowerPoint

Part 2: How? 20 min

1. Walk students through creating terrarium with a partner with pre-
measured ingredients
2. Include rocks and sticks so they can personalize their terrarium
3. Explain importance of each ingredient. IE pea gravel for drainage,
enough soil to allow root growth, fertilizer for nutrients
4. Circulate room to check progress

Part 3: Why? 10 min

1. Show previously constructed terrariums so students can see the
effects of the water cycle and photosynthesis
2. Prompt students to think about the importance of a healthy
environment

Part 4: Check for Understanding 5 min

1. Have students label water cycle and photosynthesis worksheet

Method of Evaluation:

 Check for understanding with water cycle and photosynthesis worksheet

 Watch participation
 Observe students as they create their terrarium. (Did both partners work together? Were
they following directions?)
 Active listening during discussion portion