From Seed to Plant

• PRINT
• EMAIL

There are many different kinds of plants, flowers and trees around us. In this unit, students will dissect, discover, sort, and plant seeds. While recording growth over time, students will identify the structures of plants, including seeds, roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruit. Finally, they will learn how much we depend upon plants by categorizing common plant products found in our classroom and in their home.

OBJECTIVE
Students will:

1. Observe and describe similarities and differences in the appearance and behavior of plants
2. Identify major structures of plants (seeds, roots, stems, leaves)
3. Observe, classify, and compare structures of plants
4. Understand the life cycle of plants and trees and what they need to grow
5. Discover that plants provide resources for clothing, food, and oxygen.

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: Seed Sensation
Lesson 2: Get to The Root of It!
Lesson 3: You're Wearing Your Plants!

REPRODUCIBLES
Seed Sorting Sheet (PDF)
Seed Growth Recording Sheet (PDF)
Where are the Plants? (PDF)

CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Host a Plant Banquet! I serve the following edible plant parts on labeled platters:

Seeds: corn, various nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
Stems: celery, asparagus
Leaves: lettuces, spinach
Flowers: broccoli, cauliflower, rose petals
Roots: carrots, beets, radishes, ginger root
Fruit Juices

SUPPORTING BOOKS

Books for Teaching About Plants and Trees

ARTICLE	Biodiversity in Vietnam Web Hunt | Science Explorations Why are scientists so fascinated with the plants and animals in this small country in southeast Asia? Find out as you explore Vietnam's diverse habitats on this virtual trip to the American Museum of Natural History.
LESSON PLAN	Let's Grow Plants! Poses a lesson plan in which students learn about seeds through comparative readings and directly observing seed growth.