CECsci.192


TITLE:    Plant Systems

AUTHOR:   Allen T. Schauerhamer, New Ruth School,
          Ruth, Nevada

GRADE LEVEL:   2

OBJECTIVE(s):  The learner will be able to:
1.   Identify root and leaf systems (as well as measure
     length  and width.)
2.   Trace these systems on grid graph paper.
3.   Integrate other curriculum areas:  such as music; art,
     P.E., social studies and math.
4.   Build a Terrarium and integrate math concepts by:
     measuring, comparing, graphing, recording data and
     observing plant growth.
5.   Discuss and explain uses of plants, such as:  For food,
     shelter, clothing, fuel; and medicines.
6.   With the use of various seeds integrate math concepts
     such as:  Estimating, counting, sorting, graphing etc.
7.   Be able to identify seed parts.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:
Graph paper; colored construction paper; crayons; scissors;
scotch tape, glue; baggies; seeds of all sorts; ruler in CM;
sponge; and mustard seeds.
Also materials to build terrarium (2-liter plastic bottle,
potting soil and pebbles).

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
Day 1:
Skill:  Root System Study
1.   Students will collect leaf and root systems from
     outside.
2.   Students will fill out an (integrated math) worksheet
     on identifying root systems and measuring their length
     and widths.
3.   Each student will draw their own root system. (Art
     integration).

Day 2:
Skill:  Leaf System Study
1.   Identify leaf and where it was found.
2.   Measure length and width and trace on graph paper.
     (Math integration)
3.   For music integration students will sing the songs:
     "It's Spring Again" and "Plant a Little Tree".

Day 3:
Skill:  Making a Terrarium
1.   Handout sheet on building instructions for the
     terrarium.
2.   Explain procedures for measuring; comparing; recording
     data and observing what takes place (cause and effect
     relationships). (Math integration)
3.   If time, read the poem "The Little Brown Seed".
     (Language Arts integration)
4.   Compile pages for the "Little Brown Seed" booklet also
     paste on brown seed.

Day 4:
Skill:  Learn of Plant uses
1.   Discuss and explain from handout, the uses of plants:
     Oxygen, food, shelter, fuel and medicine. (Social
     Science integration)
2.   Have students graph their favorite plant and then make
     a costume of it and put on a verbal play telling the
     audience how they grow as well as what oppositions they
     encountered. (Drama, speech and self-expression
     integration)

Day 5:
Skill:  Awareness of locations where seeds get planted
        geographically
1.   With the use of different colored construction paper,
     the student will make a booklet on geographical
     locations where seeds get planted. (Social Science
     integration)
2.   Each student will get a baggie and tape on various
     seeds and a paper wetted towel to show rate of seed
     growth.
3.   For experimentation the learner will plant mustard
     seeds in a sponge, place it within a baggie; wet it
     down and place by a lighted window to observe plant
     growth.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:
This science unit worked well and was a success!  The
students in the second grade were excited about the hands-
on-activities and are anticipating more integrated units.
One student commented, "Wow, I didn't know learning math
could be so fun!".