Tree Parts and Functions - 1st Grade Science Heather Brubach Grade Level: 1st Duration: 45 minutes Enduring

Understanding : Natural resources benefit their environment's ecosystem as well as human lives and communities Informational texts can help us to organize information and learn about the world around us We can learn about the world around us by making careful observations and keeping a record of them Objectives: Students will be able to identify all necessary tree parts (roots, trunk, bark, branches and leaves) Students will be able to explain the function different parts of a tree serves. Standards Science 3.1.1.A5: Identify and describe plant parts and their function. 3.1.2.A5: Explain how different parts of a plant work together to make the organism function. 3.1.2.C2: Explain that living things can only survive if their needs are being met. 3.1.K.A1: Identify the similarities and differences of living and non-living things. Materials: Smart-board/KWL Chart Mama Miti Book about Wangari Maathai Matching card sets for tree parts and functions

Classroom Arrangement and Management Issues Students will work in groups at their table to try to match the function to the tree part, each group of 4 will have one set of cards to work with. The teacher will go over each card by reading it and introducing it before starting the activity. Students will work individually but seated in groups at their tables (round tables of 4 students each) to create their build a tree picture. Drawing and coloring materials will be in buckets in the center of each table.

The Plan Hook 5-10 Minutes 1. Explain that all science classes grades 1st -5th will be studying trees in the month of March. We will all be inspired by reading one of the teacher's favorite books based on a true story about trees called Mama Miti. Explain that this is a bit like the One Book initiatives that cities like Philadelphia have done, except this one is for our school. 2. Before we read the book together, I'd like to find out what we know about trees, what we have questions about and what we might want to learn. 3. Together as a class complete a KWL chart on the smart-board. Body 4. Tell students that as we read they should be thinking about their tree knowledge or questions. See if any questions are answered, if you learned anything new or if you have new questions after reading it. 5. Read Mama Miti straight through.(10 mins) 6. Share a few questions and overall reflections on the story, adding to the KWL chart if necessary. (2 mins) 7. Hand out paper and have each student do a quick 2 minute drawing of a tree. (2 mins) 8. One of the things that is clear in the story is that the different parts of the tree are all important to the humans. We will review the different parts of the tree together. 9. On the Smartboard, record and draw the different parts of a tree as students offer them. Then take a minute and ask students to label their drawn trees with the different parts. (3 mins) Acknowledge that many times when we see a tree drawn it doesn't show all it's parts. Tell students that if some important parts of the tree are missing in their drawings they can add them now. After a couple minutes for labeling and additions, collect their trees. (3 mins) 10. As you are collecting their drawings, ask students to give a thumbs up if trees are alive and a thumbs down if they are not alive. Remind students that trees are alive and grow. Explain that all the different parts of the tree play an important role in giving the tree what it needs to survive and be healthy just like the parts of our bodies are necessary to us! Explain that trees need some of the same things as we do and the different parts of the tree help it. (2 mins) 11. Pass out the Parts of Tree/Function Cards. Go over each card with students explaining which part it represents or what function it provides. Have students in groups try to match the function to the tree part. (5-7 mins) 12. Call students back together to review the correct matches together on the Smartboard. As you discuss the functions and parts, relate back to the book to remind students which parts were valuable to the humans in the book. (3 mins) Closing 2 minutes 13. Ask students if we always see or notice all parts of the tree. Students should reveal that we don't always see the leaves. Explain that next class we will be talking more about the seasonal changes a tree goes through and observing real trees in Clark Park to record what seasonal changes have happened or are yet to happen.

Assessment of Goals and Activities Teacher will be assessing students during class discussions for formative ideas about trees and the parts of trees. Teacher will also be checking their tree drawings for evidence of the correct parts being labeled. Also the teacher will be able to assess student knowledge by walking around and listening/observing during the matching activity. Anticipating Student Responses Students may want to go above and beyond for coming up with the different parts of the tree. They may go into flowers, seeds, pine cones, buds, etc. All of these responses will be recorded but the main parts of the tree will be highlighted so students know which ones they are expected to know at this point. Accommodations Most things will be modeled on the Smartboard for those who need something visual to follow and reference. Also keywords will be written out large so that they can be copied for those who need that support. Also by having students seated in groups, they are encouraged to talk with one another and support each others learning when a student may get confused. A document camera will be used for the book reading so that all students have a chance to see the pictures and follow along.