The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Plants and Energy

Plants and Energy

A 2nd Grade STEM Lesson

Natasha Banales

May 2024

Notes for Teachers

This is a culminating project after learning about the need for energy, air, water, and temperature conditions required for successful plant growth. Students will use their knowledge to construct a model and record observations of their model to further affirm this learning.

List of Materials

• clear cups
• lima beans
• soil
• rulers
• water
• paper towels
• plastic bags
• science journals
• pencils
• Sharpies
• measuring cups

Standards

Life Science:

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2.L2U1.9 Obtain, analyze, and communicate evidence that organisms need a source of energy, air, water, and certain temperature conditions to survive.

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2.L2U1.10 Develop a model representing how life on Earth depends on energy from the Sun and energy from other organisms.

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Math:

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2.MD.A.1 Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools (e.g., ruler, meter stick, yardstick, measuring tape).

2.MD.A.3 Estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.

2.MD.A.4 Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference in terms of a standard length unit.

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Objectives:

Today I will construct a model demonstrating that life on Earth, in particular plants, need energy from the sun, air, and water to survive and thrive.

Agenda

Day 1 - 3: Germinate seeds

Day 4: Plant Seeds

Days 5 - 30: Record Observations

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

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What conditions are best for growing lima beans?

Hands-on Activity Instructions

Germination Day

1. Wet a paper towel
2. Place lima bean on paper towel
3. Fold paper towel over the seed
4. Place paper towel into a plastic bag and seal it
5. Be sure to write your names on the plastic bag in Shapie
6. Leave the bean to germinate for a few days
7. Be sure to choose the best location to leave your bean to germinate in the classroom

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Planting Day

1. Open your bag and take out the bean
2. What do you notice about the bean? What has changed?
3. Fill a clear cup about ⅓ full of soil
4. Use the end of your pencil to make a small indent in the top of the soil
5. Place the bean in the indent you made
6. Lightly cover the bean with soil
7. Pour a ¼ of a cup of water over the soil
8. Write your names on the cup
9. Choose an optimal location to place your cup in the classroom.

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Hands-on Activity Instructions

Record Observations Every Day

1. Get your plant and your science journal
2. Cut out and glue the recording sheet in your science journal
3. Record the date and time on your recording sheet
4. Select the most appropriate measuring tool to measure the height of your plant. Be sure to record your choice on your recording sheet
5. Measure the height of your plant and record it on your sheet. Be sure to include the units
6. Put your plant back in the same spot and put away your science journal
7. Link to the Google Docs Recording Sheet- Click Here

Assessment- Click here for the Google Docs

Answer these questions in your science journal:

1. What is the height of your plant?
2. Which variable did you change?
3. How did it impact your plant?
4. If you could do this project again, what would you do differently?
5. What is the difference in height between your plant and the tallest plant? Or the smallest plant?
6. What is the total height of all of the plants in the classroom?

Differentiation

Students that require remediation can be partnered with specific, helpful students and assisted in the recording and writing elements of the project.

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For the final questions, students could also use speech-to-text if they had the technology to show their final understanding.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

As an extension or an enrichment, students can complete the project again but with different seeds or changing a different variable. Then, they can compare the results of both models to truly see the impact of their choices in the project.