Growth

Enduring Understanding: Plants, like animals and humans, have certain requirements in order to grow and be healthy. Students are inquiring into: - How do we know when something is growing? - What affects plant growth? - Why should we care for plants? Students will: - Make observations of plants in the school gardens and make observations of plant parts - Plant and take care of seeds - Explain the basic parts of the plants (seeds, stems, leaves, flowers, roots) and their purpose - Know and explain the simple life cycle of a plant (seed, sprout, flower) - Measure the growth of plants - Follow simple experiments to determine what a plant needs to grow - Understanding why plants are important to our world and what we can do to help take care of our world - Focus on the disposition responsible - Use research skills to seek, use and synthesize information
Standards and indicators taught and assessed as part of this unit: Science Standard One - Science as Inquiry - The students will understand that scientists use the inquiry process to develop skills, concepts, and dispositions to investigate and make sense of the natural world. E.S1.2 plan and conduct a simple investigation E.S1.3 employ simple equipment and tools to accurately gather data Standard Three - Life Sciences - The students will understand that life science explores the concept of living organisms and their organization, life processes, and relationships to each other and their environment. E.S3.1 describe characteristics of organisms E.S3.3 identify organisms and interactions with their environments Integrated English Language Arts Standard 2 Students will understand how to comprehend, respond to, analyze and evaluate a wide variety of texts. E.E2.11 identify structural patterns found in informational texts (e.g., compare and contrast, cause and effect, sequential-chronological order) to strengthen comprehension Standard 4 Students will understand how write with clarity, logic, validity and effectiveness on a wide range of topics and for a variety of purposes and audiences. E.E4.10 identify how own texts differ according to their purpose, audience and subject matter Standard 5 Students will understand how listen to and respond critically to oral communication. E.E5.4 ask thoughtful questions and respond to relevant questions with appropriate elaboration Standard 6 Students will understand how to communicate coherently and appropriately in a range of oral settings. E.E6.12 maintain a clear focus, use logical sequence, and use details when recounting experiences or presenting information Integrated Mathematics Standard 2 Students will find appropriate measurements using a variety of tools. E.M2.8 Estimate length with and without tools; measure length to the nearest inch and centimeter; use standard and nonstandard tools to measure and estimate weight