Investigating What Living Things Need: Space
Summary
In this biology investigation, students will make observations of the growth of bean seeds to determine what plants need to live and grow in a healthy way. Students will predict/hypothesize their outcomes based on prior knowledge of plant growth. They will make detailed observations over several weeks. They should be able to reasonably conclude that living things need adequate space to survive and thrive in their environment.
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Learning Goals
Students will learn to develop a hypothesis based on what they already know about what living things need.
They will use and develop their observation and questioning skills.
The use of hand lenses, forceps, etc. will be reinforced.
Students will learn to follow directions, work cooperatively, record and analyze data.
They will use and develop their observation and questioning skills.
The use of hand lenses, forceps, etc. will be reinforced.
Students will learn to follow directions, work cooperatively, record and analyze data.
Context for Use
This Life Science/Biology lesson was designed for third grade level learners who have already had some exposure to the basics of what living things need to live and thrive in their environment. They should be at or near level for reading, writing, and math measurement skills to complete this activity. This lab works best in student pairs or small groups, but can be modified according to class size and structure. The initial lab day set up and documentation will take approximately 60 minutes. The weekly follow up investigations should take approximately 10-20 minutes. Easily adaptable to varying grade and skill levels, this indoor/outdoor lab will take approximately 4-6 weeks depending on teacher/school schedule/calendar.
You will need paper towels, plastic sealable bags, tape, permanent markers, lab or journal sheets (see attachments), rulers, paper cups, soil, and access to a sunny area to complete this investigation.
You will need paper towels, plastic sealable bags, tape, permanent markers, lab or journal sheets (see attachments), rulers, paper cups, soil, and access to a sunny area to complete this investigation.
Description and Teaching Materials
Seed in a Bag/Seed in a Cup
Investigating What Living Things Need [Space]
This indoor/outdoor lab activity is ideally completed in pairs to promote cooperative learning. Students will be planting two sets of bean seeds. One set of seeds will be planted in a cup of soil, the other set will be planted in a damp paper towel and placed in a clear plastic bag. Both seeds will have water, air, and sunlight. Students will work in pairs; however, each student will be accountable for their own observations, record keeping, and journal writing. Use the attached file for guided inquiry and directions for the lesson. This lesson will take a minimum of 3-4 weeks to complete. This lesson is easy to extend.
MATERIALS:
Large sunny space/area to place cups/containers/plastic bags easily accessible to students [An outdoor garden would be optimal for discovery, window ledge and window would be another good choice]
The materials list below is set for a class of 20 students, divided into 10 pairs. Adjust according to class size.
- Large sunny space/area to place cups/containers/plastic bags easily accessible to students [An outdoor garden would be optimal for discovery; window ledge and sunny window would be another good choice]
- 30-50 Green bean [or other type] seeds
- 10 9-12 oz. paper cups [one cup or container for each student pair/group; preferably with drainage holes]
- 10 6-8 oz. clear plastic cups [optional]
- 10-15 cups of soil to fill each of the student cups approx. ¾ full
- 10 Quart size resealable plastic bags
- 10 Spoons or measuring cups [one for each student pair/group]
- Roll of paper towels
- 1 Gallon of water
- Pail or bowl to saturate paper towels in
- 20 Hand lenses [one for each student0
- 20 Pencils
- 20 Rulers or tape measures [one for each student]
- Permanent marker(s)
- Tape
- 20 copies of journal pages [optional] Journal Pages for Seed in a Cup/Bag Investigate (Microsoft Word 62kB Aug3 09)
Investigating What Living Things Need [Space]
This indoor/outdoor lab activity is ideally completed in pairs to promote cooperative learning. Students will be planting two sets of bean seeds. One set of seeds will be planted in a cup of soil, the other set will be planted in a damp paper towel and placed in a clear plastic bag. Both seeds will have water, air, and sunlight. Students will work in pairs; however, each student will be accountable for their own observations, record keeping, and journal writing. Use the attached file for guided inquiry and directions for the lesson. This lesson will take a minimum of 3-4 weeks to complete. This lesson is easy to extend.
MATERIALS:
Large sunny space/area to place cups/containers/plastic bags easily accessible to students [An outdoor garden would be optimal for discovery, window ledge and window would be another good choice]
The materials list below is set for a class of 20 students, divided into 10 pairs. Adjust according to class size.
- Large sunny space/area to place cups/containers/plastic bags easily accessible to students [An outdoor garden would be optimal for discovery; window ledge and sunny window would be another good choice]
- 30-50 Green bean [or other type] seeds
- 10 9-12 oz. paper cups [one cup or container for each student pair/group; preferably with drainage holes]
- 10 6-8 oz. clear plastic cups [optional]
- 10-15 cups of soil to fill each of the student cups approx. ¾ full
- 10 Quart size resealable plastic bags
- 10 Spoons or measuring cups [one for each student pair/group]
- Roll of paper towels
- 1 Gallon of water
- Pail or bowl to saturate paper towels in
- 20 Hand lenses [one for each student0
- 20 Pencils
- 20 Rulers or tape measures [one for each student]
- Permanent marker(s)
- Tape
- 20 copies of journal pages [optional] Journal Pages for Seed in a Cup/Bag Investigate (Microsoft Word 62kB Aug3 09)
Teaching Notes and Tips
In the past I have used a large tray, lined with paper towels/newspaper to set the paper cups in. Paper cups with drainage holes can also be placed into a second (slightly smaller) plastic cup--this will allow for any drainage to collect and additional volume measurements of 'extra' water may be taken. Simply tape plastic bags to a window--or hang bags using clothes pins, to a string hung closely to a window or outdoors from poles.
There are 4 pages of templates that I have used to assist students with their data collection and discovery. These may be modified to suit individual teacher/student requirements/needs. These may be used as an assessment piece.
There are 4 pages of templates that I have used to assist students with their data collection and discovery. These may be modified to suit individual teacher/student requirements/needs. These may be used as an assessment piece.
Assessment
Assessment of this long-term lab assignment will be completion of student journal/observation/reflection pages [see attached downloadable file]. Teacher observation and peer assessment may also be incorporated.
Standards
3.4.1.1.1 Roots and stems in plants provide for the growth of the entire plant