The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
What Do Sunflowers Need to Grow? LESSON 2
What Do Sunflowers Need to Grow? LESSON 2
A 2nd Grade STEM Lesson
Tawny Bounds
2/1/2023
Notes for teachers
List of Materials
Arizona Standards
Science Standards
2.L2U1.9: Obtain, analyze, and communicate evidence that organisms need a source of energy, air, water, and certain temperature conditions to survive.
2.L2U1.10: Develop a model representing how life on Earth depends on energy from the Sun and energy from other organisms.
NGSS Standards
2-LS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow.
Math Standards
2.MD.A.1: Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools (e.g., ruler, meter stick, yardstick, measuring tape).
Writing Standards
2.W.2 Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.
2.W.7 Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., read a number of books on a single topic to produce a report; record science observations).
Science and Engineering Practices:
Objective(s):
Unit Objective: Students will plant and grow sunflowers to understand what plants need to grow.
With the help of peers, students will write observations about the growth of their sunflowers in their sunflower diaries.
Students will write a paragraph about planting and growing sunflowers in their sunflower diaries.
Introduction
Hello tiny scientists! Today, we are going to plant our sunflower seeds and make our first observations in our Sunflower Diaries. But before we begin, let’s review what plants need to grow to make sure we have everything we might need for today’s activity.
Ready?
Planting Sunflowers
You will need:
SAFETY FIRST! Do NOT touch supplies until you are told you can!
Listen Carefully! Follow the directions.
Planting Sunflowers
Sunflower Diary
Now that you have planted your sunflower seed, it’s time to make your first observation. Today, we are going to make our first observation together.
Let’s begin!
Assessment
Formative
Observe what students write in their journals. Although this activity is guided, it is a great opportunity to assess students’ ability to follow directions.
Assess student understanding throughout the activity and any discussions.
Summative
There should not be a summative assessment at this time.
Differentiation
Walk students through the process of planting their seeds.
Meet with groups in a small group setting to fill out their observations.
You may plant some backup seeds in case groups need a replacement.
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment
Students can work together to fill out their journals, if journaling and making observations is common place in your space.
Explore another portion of the book, What’s inside a flower?
Your students may make an observation in their journals everyday or every other day.