Teacher Page

This project was developed to enhance existing science curriculum by adding a technology component. The essential question posed in the project is "How does a scientist (student) investigate how a seed becomes a plant?" (Science 21: Science for the 21st Century, Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES)

At the end of the unit students will understand the germination process, make observations about the growth of their plants, predict how different growing conditions will affect the plant's growth and share and record their observations.

Procedure for Teachers:

• Gather materials (seeds, cups for growing, plastic bags, soil, etc)
• Soak the seeds overnight
• Have students plant seeds in plastic cups place them in a sunny window (you may choose to place plants in different locations in the classroom to observe different conditions)
• Observe seedlings over the course of 8 weeks noting observations on the Growth Chart. Students will make observations on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 the first week. Weekly observations will be made in subsequent weeks.
• Suggestions for observations:
  • Size, color and shape of leaves
  • Length of stem
  • Root observations (if you plant a seed in a zip lock bag)
• Have students draw the changes in the seeds over time using the Seed Sketch template.
• Take digital photographs of the plant(s) every two weeks beginning with day one. Send these to the project coordinator and your partner class if you have one.
• Have students do additional activities as suggested in the Extension Activities and send to the project coordinator and your partner class