Dig into the Garden

Created by: Maci Dyer

Standard 2.1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and
conducting investigations
Standard 2.4 The student will investigate and understand that plants and animals undergo a series of orderly changes as they mature and
grow. Key concepts include
b)

plant life cycles.

Standard 1.1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and
conducting investigations
Standard 1.4 The student will investigate and understand that plants have basic life needs and functional parts and can be classified
according to certain characteristics. Key concepts include
a)
b)
c)

plants need nutrients, air, water, light, and a place to grow;

basic parts of plants; and
plants can be classified based on a variety of characteristics.

Standard K.1 The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and
conducting investigations
Standard K.7The student will investigate and understand basic needs and life processes of plants and animals. Key concepts include
b) plants need nutrients, water, air, light, and a place to grow to survive;
c) plants and animals change as they grow, have varied life cycles, and eventually die; and
d) offspring of plants and animals are similar but not identical to their parents or to one another.
Standard K.9 The student will investigate and understand that there are simple repeating patterns in his/her daily life. Key concepts include
a)
b)

the shapes and forms of many common natural objects including seeds, cones, and leaves; and
animal and plant growth.

Materials
Soil (both from the ground & from the soil)
Seeds
Clear cups
Water
Ag in the Class worksheet for interactive notebook
Engage:
First students are going to draw a picture of their favorite plant and labeling all of the things the plant NEEDS to survive.
Explore:
Once students have finished their drawings we will move to the next page of the handout listing the 4 things a seed needs for germination.
Then we will look at the order of the plant life cycle. Then moving from that to the soil, we will look at soil from the ground outside to store
bought soil. Then we will plant our own seeds.
Explain:
I will explain how important all four things are needed in order for a plant to survive. Also relating back to the student; plants are similar to
humans in what they NEED to survive. When we are planting seeds we will discuss what the students will need to do to make sure the plant
is able to access everything it needs to survive.
Expansion:
You could use graphs and make experiment by taking away a resource. The students will be planting their seeds in clear cups and over time
they will be able to see roots. They will be able to witness the germination process on their own.
Evaluate:
Have the students fill out the Ag in the Class worksheet and put it in their notebook. Also I want them to comment on the difference between
soils in our environment vs. store bought.