This lesson will be the introduction to a larger unit on PLANTS. The
general conceptual knowledge to be developed will deal with the variety
of seeds and their many uses. This will be an integrated lesson across
the curriculum and may be ongoing as time permits. Specific demonstrations
will be done as well as student participation in the process.
gin by sending a newsletter to families of students explaining the
upcoming topic of study. Invite those interested to help in any way.
(We are a very rural community - some may be farmers.)
MATH ACTIVITIES: ( done in small cooperative groups
of 3-4 students)
- sorting of seeds (need trays from cafeteria)
- count seeds by variety (record on paper with pencil)
- use seeds for addition and subtraction problems
-record on paper with pencil
- create a sequential Pattern with different seeds
(pattern should repeat)
- graph seeds by variety (need teacher created graph
paper - cells
- should be large enough to lay seeds on) demonstrate
with an overhead
- use a ruler to measure varieties after laying them
end to end
- record time from planting to sprouting on the classroom
calendar
LANGUAGE ARTS ACTIVITIES:
- a "special feature books" display will be available
on seed and plant topics included will be poetry,
trade books and literature. Pull picture books and
resource materials from school library, public library
and classroom librarytocreatethis"special
feature bookshelf"
- The teacher will use the above materials
for "read
aloud" times to students
- The students will be able to choose
from the above selection for their "f ree reading and partner reading"times.
- highlight some seed topic words in the spelling
list
- use seed topic words for practice of ABC order
for English
- keep an ongoing "observation journal" for
students to record the progress
of seeds planted
SCIENCE ACTIVITIES
- go for a nature walk and collect various items
related to the theme study
- create a seed classitication learning station (students
take turns in groups) pay attention to color and
shape characteristics
- follow the concept of "seasons" highlighting
the changes seeds go through
- choose some appropriate cooking activities (popcorn,
pumpkin seeds)
- introduce concept of the "food
chain"
SOCIAL STUDIES ACTIVITIES
- develop the food chain concept further, highlighting
the topic of careers
- further develop the concept of "seasons" highlighting
the change in jobs
- tie in the idea of climate and the differences
geographical areas have
- introduce the concept of cultures, especially preferences
for food items
- discuss the process of seed to product and demonstrate
it on a small basis by simulating a production plant
(peanuts to peanut butter?
CREATIVE ARTS
Wherever possible in any of the subject areas, use music, drama,
(act out seed growth by starting out as small and sprouting up
and out with body actions) use drawing within subject areas, and
muralsand collages.
GENERAL
Pull folder in file cabinet (SCIENCE)
marked AG-seed-plants. use worksheets as appropriate
pull picture books and resource materials from
school library, public library and classroom
library to create a
"special feature bookshelf"
VOCABULARY
All words in the above materials
list marked " " and
some boldface words will be part of the important
vocabulary words students will be expected to
understand
UPON COMPLETION
Make notes on how to improve and adjust as observed from lesson
send thank-you notes (and picture?) to those who helped!
CAPWiz On-Line