Basic Needs of Plants

Designed By: Marian Davis, Meadowfield Elementary

Core Curriculum Objective: Name the basic needs of plants, (air, water, sun, soil, space). (2SLS-1).

Grade Level: Second    Subject: Science

Overview: Students will identify the basic needs of plants and experiment to determine what is required for plants to grow. They will observe over a two week period and record the results when one of the basic needs is missing.

Focus/Essential Question: What do plants need in order to grow?

Time Frame: One fifty minute class period initially and observation time over a two week period. One class period at the end of the two weeks to discuss and draw conclusions.

Resources/Materials:

Internet site: http://www.brainpop.com/science/plantsandanimals/fivekingdoms/index.weml

One class observation chart for each group

For each group: For one group only 2 small potted plants 2 jars with lids 1 measuring cup 2 cups 1 magnifier Lima bean seeds 1 ruler Potting soil Sand Water

For whole class: Plastic cups Potting soil Various seeds of different types

Culminating Assessment: Students will record in their Science Journals the results from observations made over a two week period in which one of the basic needs of their plant is missing. The teacher will assess the students' understanding by using the following rubric.

Basic Needs of Plants Rubric

 Instructional Activities: The teacher will begin the activity by asking the students what they know about plants and what they think makes a plant grow. List their responses on the board.

Next, the teacher will assist students in identifying four basic needs of plants (air, water, sun, soil, space), using the generated list on the board. (Add these words to the list if necessary).

Divide the class into four groups. Give each group a magnifier, a ruler, and a plant to observe.

Have each group make observations using the following characteristics:

* How long is the stem? * How many leaves does your plant have? * What color are the leaves?

Ask students to draw a picture of their plant and record these observations. The teacher will record observations on charts for each group.

Assign each group one of the four basic needs to test during the activity.

Give each group a second plant. Have students make observations about this plant also and record the observations. This plant will serve as the control plant and should receive all basic needs in measured amounts.

*Only one basic need should be eliminated from the test plant.

Have group predict and discuss what will happen to the test plants. Record their predictions on the group charts.

Record each group's observations on the group charts on a weekly basis.

Group Assignments:

 Air 
1) Fill 2 jars 1/3 full with soil. 
2) Plant a plant in each jar. 
3) Water each plant the same until the soil is moist. 
4) Put a lid on one jar. Leave the other jar open. 
5) Put both jars together in a sunny place. 
6) Observe the plants every day for 2 weeks. 
7) Draw what you observe each day in your Science Journal. 

Water: 
1) Label one plant "Water". 
2) Label the other plant "No Water". 
3) Put both plants together in a sunny place. 
4) Water one plant every day for 2 weeks. Do not water the other plant. 
5) Observe the plants every day for 2 weeks. 
6) Draw a picture of what you observe each day in your Science Journal.

Sunlight: 
1) Label one plant "More Light". Keep it in a sunny window. 
2) Label the other plant "Less Light". Keep it in a closed closet except for placing it in a sunny window for one hour each day. 
3) Water both plants the same. 
4) Observe plants every day for 2 weeks. 
5) Draw a picture of what you observe each day in your Science Journal.

Soil: 
1) Fill one cup with soil and one cup with sand. 
2) Label each cup "Soil" or "Sand". 
3) Plant 2 bean seeds in each cup. 
4) Put both cups next to each other in a sunny place. 
5) Water each the same every day for 2 weeks. 
6) Draw a picture of what you observe each day in your journal.

The teacher will record each group's observations on the group charts on a weekly basis.

After two weeks, have students use the group charts to draw conclusions about the basic needs of plants (soil, water, air, light).

Use students' conclusions as a basis to discuss the needs of plants.

Sample Discussion Questions: 
* What happened to the plants when _________(a basic need) was missing? 
* Why do we call these things basic needs? 
* How are the growth needs of plants the same/different from your growth needs?

When students have completed the activity, tell them that they can use what they have learned about the needs of plants to grow a plant of their own. * Give each student a plastic cup and let them fill it 3/4 full with potting soil. * Let them to choose the type of plant that they would like to grow by selecting a seed from the various seeds available. (corn, lima bean, sunflower, radish, etc.) * Have the students plant their seeds in the cups. * Tell students that they must now provide the seeds with what they think they will need in order to grow. * Allow time each day for students to take care of their plants. * Have students make observations and record these observations in their journals.

Extensions:

1) Ask for volunteers to participate in a "Grow It At Home" activity. * They could try growing a plant using different materials in place of the soil (clay, sand, paper, sponge, cotton, rice, rocks). * They could try growing a plant using different liquids in place of water (fruit juice, soda, salt water, coffee, tea, lemonade).

Ask students to keep an observational journal and record their observations every day for 2 weeks. Have them bring their results to school after 2 weeks.

*Based on the "Grow It At Home" activity, ask students if it is possible to substitute something else for one of the basic needs.

2) 
Visit http://www.brainpop.com/science/plantsandanimals/fivekingdoms/index.weml and view a movie about plant needs.

3) Invite a guest speaker from a local greenhouse or nursery.

4) Plan a field trip to Riverbanks Botanical Gardens.