3 of 10

Notes for Teachers

This lesson can be taught in class or a club.
The initial planting of seeds can take place in a classroom or outdoors for 45 minutes.
Students can work in groups of 2-3.
Students will measure the growth of various plants over time.
They will record their data on a table.
They will then plot and graph their recorded data.
This may be conducted over several days/weeks.

List of Materials

Planters (This could be something as simple as Dixie cups or recycled milk cartons.)
Soil for planters
Various plant seeds
watering cans (can be homemade from recycled bottles)
rulers (with both metric & imperial measurements on them)
data recording sheet (provided)
graph paper (provided)

4 of 10

Arizona Science 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.

Science and Engineering Practices

ask questions and define problems
develop and use models
plan and carry out investigations
analyze and interpret data
use mathematical and computational thinking
construct explanations and design solutions
obtain, evaluate and communicate information

Arizona Math Standards

Measurement and Data 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).

2.MD.A.2: Measure the length of an object twice, using different standard length units for the two measurements; describe how the two measurements relate to the size of the unit chosen. Understand that depending on the size of the unit, the number of units for the same length varies.

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

2.MD.D.9: Generate measurement data by measuring lengths of several objects to the nearest whole unit, or by making repeated measurements of the same object. Show the measurements by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in whole-number units.

2.MD.D.10: Draw a picture graph and a bar graph (with single-unit scale) to represent a data set with up to four categories. Solve simple put-together, take-apart, and compare problems using information presented in the graph.

5 of 10

Objective(s):

Students will be able to measure their plants using both metric (cm and mm) and imperial (inches) units.

Students will be able to describe the plant growth over time.

Students will be able to collect, analyze, and interpret data and complete a table of the plant growth over time.

Students will collaborate with peers to discuss the growth of different plants over time.

students will be able to create a line plot and bar graph of the data collected in their table.

Students will be able to communicate with and explain their graphs to their peers.

6 of 10

Agenda

This lesson should be done at the middle/ending of a unit on measurement. Students should be proficient measuring with rulers and familiar with line plots and bar graphs.
Day 1: Prepare the potters for the seeds. (15 minutes)
Plant the seeds according to the directions on the packages. (10 minutes)
Water plants (5 minutes)
View the measurement videos:
Inches, Feet, and Yards Song (imperial units) (2 minutes)
Metric System Conversions Song (metric units) (2 minutes)

Every 2-3 days: Measure and record the height of the plants the students planted in both metric and imperial units. *Remind students to start at the 0 mark on their rulers. (10 minutes per day)
After 2- 3 weeks of measuring, (depending on the plants your class planted) take the information from the table that they collected and make a line plot (Allow 30 minutes of class)
The next day, make a bar graph. (Allow 30 minutes of class)

7 of 10

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

Prompt the students by first asking: What do you know about plants? (Think, pair, share style)

Then ask the following questions:

How quickly do you think plants grow?

What is the best way to show how tall plants have grown over time? How could we track their growth in a way that is easy to see?

8 of 10

Hands-on Activity Instructions

Students will work in small groups of 2 to choose their plant seeds and plant them in their potters.
Together, they will water them daily and measure their plant growth every 2-3 days.
Show first 17 seconds of video before measuring: How to Measure Growth Rate of Plants.
Each student should complete their own data collection and graphs to be turned in.

9 of 10

Assessment

Formative assessment as the data is collected every few days:

Data Collection: Plant Growth Over Time

Summative assessment after all growth data has been collected:

Line Plot/Bar Graph: Plant Growth Over Time

Feel free to make a copy and edit either of these assessments to meet your students needs.

10 of 10

Differentiation

Students can start with pre-planted seeds that already have a sprout.

Students can use non-standard units of measure such as paper clips or blocks, etc.

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

Students can create their line plot or bar graph using technology such as Microsoft Excel or another similar program.

1 of 10

2 of 10