Lesson Plans

Long Range Plan

I. Introduction

          A. Plants & Seeds

          B. 3^rd Grade

          C. 3-4 weeks

II. Objective: Behavioral

A.    Attitudes

B.     Skills

a.      Caring for plants

b.     Graphing

c.      Measuring

d.     Predicting

e.      Comparing/contrasting

f.       Experimenting

g.     Observing

h.     Recording Data

C.     Knowledge

a.      The inside of a seed

b.     Growing seeds

c.      The parts of plants

d.     Seed dispersal

e.      Plant needs

f.       Plant growth

g.     Root types and functions

III. Initiation

A.    Introductory activities

a.      An arranged room environment including: plants around the room; pictures of plants and seeds; and books on plants and seeds

b.     An exploratory reading on seeds and plants

c.      A KWL to assess prior knowledge on plants and seeds

IV. Problems to be investigated

A.    What is inside a seed- Students will dissect a lima bean in order to find the embryo, seed coat, and food storage area.

B.     How are seeds spread- Students will make predictions and learn if their predictions are correct by listening to children’s literature.  Students will go on a seed scavenger hunt and discuss how the seeds they find are dispersed

C.     Do all seeds look the same- Students will compare and contrast the size, shape, color, and number of seeds found in an assortment of fruits and vegetables.  Students will compare seeds found on a seed scavenger hunt.

D.    Roots- Students will sort an assortment of roots into two categories.  Students will measure the roots of a lima bean plant daily.  Students will read children’s literature on the importance and functions of roots.

E.     How does a seed grow- Students will test predictions in regards to how seeds grow and change daily.  Students will measure and graph the daily growth from lima bean plants.  Students will record plant changes in a journal.

F.      What does a seed need to grow- Students will conduct an experiment to determine what plants need to grow (air, sun, water, soil). 

V. Culmination

          Students will view a power point presentation on plants and seeds.  Students will make a book on seeds.

VI. Evaluation

          Students will be assessed throughout the unit based on their daily activities as well as on end of the unit test.