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Notes for Teachers

The list of materials are just suggestions of items teachers can use for the project.

Teacher can use whatever seeds or beans they have available. If you do not have any small pots available or need to buy a bulk amount of containers for the seeds to grow in, then you can use small paper cups. They make it easier for future transplanting.

List of Materials

Kidney beans

Small pots or cups

Potting soil

Watering cans or spray bottles

Sunlight

Journals for recording observations

Markers or labels for pots

Copy of “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss

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Standards

Arizona State Standards:

Science Standard: SC03-S4C2-02: Observe and record the changes in plants during their life cycle.
Mathematics Standard: M03-S1C1-01: Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction within 20.

National STEM Standards:

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): 1-LS1-1: Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM): CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1: Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions.

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Objectives:

Learning Objectives:

Students will understand the basic needs of plants for growth.
Students will observe and describe the life cycle of a plant.
Students will demonstrate how to plant a kidney bean.

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Agenda (5 days)

Day 1: Engage

Objective: To engage students and introduce the concept of plant needs.

Start with a discussion: Ask students what plants need to grow (e.g., water, sunlight, soil).
Show pictures of different plants and discuss their characteristics.
Introduce the kidney bean as our focus plant.

Day 2: Explore

Objective: To allow students to explore the materials and prepare for planting.

Show students the kidney beans and paper cups.
Explain the steps of planting a kidney bean.
Have students poke 3 holes in the bottom of their paper cup so it can drain the water properly.
Have students fill their paper cups with soil and plant a kidney bean in each.
Discuss the importance of watering and sunlight for plants.

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Agenda (5 days)

Day 3: Explain

Objective: To explain the life cycle of a plant and reinforce understanding.

Review the concept of the plant life cycle.
Show visuals or videos of a plant's life cycle.

Picture - Inside a Kidney Bean

Video - Bean Time Lapse

Discuss the stages of germination, growth, flowering, and seed production.

Day 4: Elaborate

Objective: To elaborate on plant growth and care.

Have students observe their planted kidney beans and record their observations in journals or worksheets.
Encourage students to note changes in the soil, stem, leaves, and any signs of growth.
Discuss the importance of taking care of their plants by watering them regularly and placing them in sunlight.

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Agenda (5 days)

Day 5: Evaluate

Objective: To evaluate students' understanding of plant needs and the planting process.

Review with students the needs of plants and the steps for planting a kidney bean.
Ask students to share their observations and experiences with their planted beans.
Assess students' understanding through a simple quiz or discussion.

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Intro/Driving Question/Opening

The teacher can open up the lesson by reading, “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss. After the read aloud the teacher can share this clip of the musical number “Let it Grow” from the movie “The Lorax” (2012 Version). After the video clip the teacher can open up a discussion on the importance of plant in the world around us.

Video Clip - Let it Grow!

If time does not allow for a read aloud then the teacher can decide to open up with the following dialogue.

Good morning, future scientists and gardeners! Today, we're going to embark on an exciting adventure into the world of plants. Imagine being a detective, but instead of solving mysteries, we'll be discovering the secrets of how plants grow and thrive. Have you ever wondered what plants need to grow big and strong? Well, get ready to dive deep into the mysteries of the green world as we explore the fascinating journey of a tiny seed transforming into a beautiful plant right before our eyes. Are you ready to become plant detectives and grow your very own magical beanstalks? Let's start our adventure!

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

This is an individual project for each student.
Gather materials: kidney bean seeds, small paper cups, potting soil, water, labels or markers.
Poke 3 holes into the bottom of your cup so water can drain as needed.
Fill your cup up with soil, but leave a little space between the top of the soil and the top of the cup.
Have students count out 2 - 3 seeds.
Plant 2-3 kidney bean seeds in your cup and make sure to cover them completely. Do not put them at the bottom of the cup.
Gently water the soil until it's evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
Place the cups in a sunny location, such as a windowsill or outdoors if weather permits
Label each cup with your name, the date and type of plant.

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Assessment

Math Tie In: Teachers can work in word problems using the “Let It Grow!” Theme. Use the link provided to use a word problem a day leading up to the end of the week.

Word Problems - Let it Grow! Word Problems

At the end of the week you can hand out this small informal quiz to see evaluate what your students learned during this 5 day lesson. The link is provided below.

Quiz Link - Let It Grow! The Quiz!

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Differentiation

Visual Aids and Demonstrations:

Use visual aids such as posters, diagrams, or videos to reinforce key concepts like plant parts and their functions.
Conduct hands-on demonstrations of planting activities, allowing struggling students to observe closely and ask questions.

One-on-One Support:

Provide individualized attention and support for students who require extra assistance.
Offer additional explanations, modeling, or guided practice as needed during one-on-one sessions.

Interactive Games and Activities:

Incorporate interactive games or digital activities related to plant growth and life cycles.
Use educational apps or online resources that offer interactive simulations or quizzes on plant biology.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Plant Journals: Create plant journals where students can record their observations, measurements, and drawings of their planted kidney beans. Encourage them to write about any changes they notice and make predictions about future growth.

Art Integration: Integrate art by having students create mixed-media artwork inspired by plants. They can use materials like tissue paper, paint, and clay to sculpt and depict various stages of a plant's life cycle.

Field Trip: Arrange a field trip to a local botanical garden, greenhouse, or farm where students can observe a wide variety of plants in different environments. Encourage them to ask questions and engage with experts to deepen their understanding of plant biology.