In this lesson, the students will gain respect for the beauty and value of plants and the natural environment. Students will learn how various conditions affect the growth of plants. They will also compare the love and care needed by plants to the love and care needed by people also. Students will also measure and observe the growth of their seedlings.

The learners will:

• discuss conditions suitable for the growth of plants.
• identify the major parts of a plant.
• plant seeds and care for the growing seedlings.
• record measurements and observations on a graph and in a science log.
• explain how the love and care needed for plants is similar to that needed by humans.

Anticipatory Set:
Invite a volunteer who is knowledgeable about plants to talk to the class. The teacher should have six labeled plants (planted a few weeks in advance), with each plant grown under different conditions (no water, over watered, no sun, fertilized, non-fertilized and optimal). Have the volunteer talk to the class about his or her experiences with planting under optimal conditions as well as not-perfect conditions. The volunteer should attempt to communicate his or her love of caring for plants.

Day One:

• The volunteer explains the different ways in which each plant on the table was cared for (sunlight, no water, too much water, fertilized, non-fertilized and optimal conditions). The volunteer explains to the students the proper way to care for plants. Discuss the variables (sun, water, soil, fertilizer) that contribute to healthy plants.
  
  
• On a large sheet of paper the teacher writes students’ comments about what they learned from their guest.
  
  
• On this and other days, have students take turns taking pictures of the events in the unit.

  Day Two:

• Read aloud the book From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons(see Bibliographical References). Teacher will use the book to describe in detail the parts of the plant (flower, leaf, stem, roots) and their functions.
  
  
• Hold a class discussion about the basic needs of plants. The students should recall that water, sunlight, soil and fertilizer are important. Other answers that may be explored include love, care, respect, etc.
  
  
• Give each student a copy of a flower to label (Attachment One: Parts of a Plant). Students fill in the blanks with the following words: flower, stem, leaf and roots. A copy of the diagram may be found on the Web at: http://www.naturegrid.org.uk/plant/parts.html

  Day Three

• Each student writes his or her name on two biodegradable planting pots.
  
  

• The teacher calls students up in small groups to fill their pots with soil (have soil in a large dishpan on top of newspaper or outside). Soil can be spooned into the pots until approximately ½ inch from the top of pot.
  
  

• Students put one seed in each pot. Demonstrate pressing thumb in center of soil, creating a hole ½ inch deep. Put the seed in and cover with soil from the pot. Students follow the procedure while the teacher monitors for progress and accuracy.
  
  

• Students will then use water droppers to measure out one ounce of water (approximately two full water droppers) and water each plant pot. (Keep the water in small plastic containers for easy accessibility.)
  
  

• Add the appropriate amount of fertilizer according to the directions on the package.
  
  

• Place the pots on a windowsill or other suitable area where sunlight is available.

  Following Days (may be brief sessions over several weeks)
  

• Prepare a science log for each student to record his/her observations. Students start by writing their observations (either in writing or illustrations) of the seed planting. Have students record observations at least once every three days. They can record the date for each entry, how much water and fertilizer they add, what they see and measurements.
  
  
• Students water and fertilize their plants as needed.
  
  
• Demonstrate how to make a bar graph and record growth over time. Use the attached graph as a model (Attachment Two: Plant Growth).
  
  
• For younger students, the teacher may wish to prepare the graph and labels on graph paper. Older students may be able to use prior experience to determine labels for the blank graph. Example: vertical axis: Height in Centimeters; horizontal axis: Date Measured).
  
  
• When the flower seedlings appear above the soil, the students will start measuring the height of the plant using metric rulers (every other day). Show them how to measure accurately and record their measurements on the graphs. Measurement of plant should begin at top of soil. Students will gently place the ruler in the pot at the top of the soil and measure the height of the plant. Height will be determined by the highest point of the plant above soil.

Invite an elderly member of the community to speak to the class. Choose an individual who is an active volunteer in the community—especially someone who helps in a way related to gardening or the environment. Through the experience, students will gain appreciation for people who share their time, talent and interests. Ask the volunteer to speak about the importance of volunteering, why he or she volunteers, and why he or she chooses to volunteer in the particular area of interest.