Green Growth: Unveiling the Secrets of Plants

High School Grade

Project
4 weeks

Green Growth: Unveiling the Secrets of Plants

Norma Garcia

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a comprehensive exploration of plant biology through hands-on experiments and real-world applications. By integrating science, reading, and writing, students will deepen their understanding of plant needs and growth processes while developing critical thinking and communication skills. This project fosters curiosity and collaboration, encouraging students to connect classroom learning with community resources and environmental awareness.

Learning goals

Students will explore the essential requirements for plant survival and growth, integrating scientific investigation with literacy skills. They will conduct hands-on experiments to understand photosynthesis, analyze data, and communicate their findings through written reflections and digital portfolios. By engaging with community partners and participating in peer reviews, students will develop critical thinking and collaboration skills. The project culminates in a public exhibition, where students demonstrate their understanding and ability to apply scientific concepts to real-world contexts.

Standards

NGSS - HS-LS1-5: Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
NGSS - HS-LS1-7: Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed, resulting in a net transfer of energy.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2: Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.

Products

Students will create a comprehensive digital portfolio that includes photos and data charts documenting their plant experiments, alongside written reflections. They will also produce a detailed lab report analyzing the effects of light intensity on plant growth. At the 'Plant Science Fair,' students will present interactive booths featuring their findings and engage the community with hands-on demonstrations and informative displays.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Plant Discovery Day' at a local botanical garden, where students participate in guided tours and interactive workshops. They will explore diverse plant species and their ecosystems, setting the stage for their own plant growth experiments. This immersive experience will spark curiosity and provide a real-world context for the project.

Exhibition

Organize a 'Plant Science Fair' where students set up interactive booths showcasing their experiments, digital portfolios, and plant growth findings for peers, teachers, and community members. Encourage students to present their research and answer questions, fostering an exchange of ideas and insights. Include interactive elements like live demonstrations or hands-on activities to engage visitors and highlight the students' understanding of plant science.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Participate in 'Plant Discovery Day' at the local botanical garden, observing various plant species and their ecosystems during guided tours.	Engage in interactive workshops at the botanical garden to learn about plant structures and functions.	Begin a class discussion on the essential question: 'What do plants need to live and thrive?' and record initial thoughts.	Start a weekly reflective journal, documenting observations from 'Plant Discovery Day' and initial thoughts on plant needs.	Research and select a plant species to study for the project, considering environmental requirements and growth conditions.	Create a project plan outline in groups, detailing the plant growth experiment, including hypothesis, materials, and method.
Deliverables	1. Reflective journal entry on insights and observations from 'Plant Discovery Day'. 2. A group project plan outline for the plant growth experiment, submitted by the end of the week.
Preparation	1. Arrange logistics and permissions for 'Plant Discovery Day', including transportation and partnership with the botanical garden. 2. Prepare reflective journal templates for students to use throughout the project. 3. Coordinate with the botanical garden for guided tours and workshop facilitators. 4. Gather resources on plant species for students to research and select for their experiments. 5. Prepare guidelines and templates for the project plan outline to ensure students cover all necessary components.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Attend a guest lecture by a university agriculture department expert on plant growth and genetics, focusing on photosynthesis and cellular respiration.	Conduct hands-on experiments to measure the effects of varying light intensities on plant growth, using the selected plant species from Week 1.	Collect and analyze data from the light intensity experiments, documenting observations and results in lab notebooks.	Participate in a group work session to develop a detailed lab report outline, incorporating data and initial findings.	Engage in a peer review session to discuss initial data collection and receive feedback on lab report outlines.	Continue updating the reflective journal, focusing on challenges faced during the experiment and insights gained from peer feedback.
Deliverables	1. A preliminary data set and observations from the light intensity experiments, submitted in lab notebooks. 2. An outline of the lab report, including initial data analysis and reflections on the experiment process.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with the university agriculture department for the guest lecture, ensuring alignment with the project goals. 2. Prepare materials for light intensity experiments, including light sources, measuring tools, and plant care supplies. 3. Develop templates for lab notebooks to guide students in data collection and analysis documentation. 4. Organize a schedule and criteria for the peer review session, providing students with guidelines for constructive feedback. 5. Compile additional resources on photosynthesis and cellular respiration to support students' understanding and lab report development.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Conduct advanced experiments to test the effects of different soil types and nutrients on plant growth, using the selected plant species.	Participate in a hands-on lab session led by the university agriculture department, focusing on plant genetics and trait variations.	Analyze and compare data from both light intensity and soil nutrient experiments, integrating findings into a comprehensive analysis.	Engage in a collaborative session to draft a detailed lab report, incorporating feedback from Week 2 and new data collected.	Participate in a peer review session to present draft lab reports, offering and receiving constructive feedback for refinement.	Continue updating the reflective journal with new observations, insights from the lab session, and reflections on peer feedback.
Deliverables	1. A comprehensive draft of the lab report, including analysis of light intensity and soil nutrient experiments, submitted for peer review. 2. Reflective journal entries documenting insights from the university lab session and reflections on the draft report process.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with the university agriculture department for the hands-on lab session, ensuring it aligns with the project objectives. 2. Prepare materials and supplies for soil nutrient experiments, including a variety of soil types and nutrient supplements. 3. Develop guidelines and a rubric for the lab report draft to help students structure their findings and analysis effectively. 4. Organize a schedule and criteria for the peer review session, providing students with tools and strategies for effective feedback. 5. Compile additional resources on plant genetics and nutrient effects to support students in their experiment analysis and report writing.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Finalize the lab report by incorporating feedback from the Week 3 peer review session, ensuring clarity and thorough analysis of both light intensity and soil nutrient experiments.	Develop digital portfolios by compiling all project components, including photos, data charts, lab reports, and reflective journal entries, to showcase the learning journey.	Prepare for the 'Plant Science Fair' by designing and setting up interactive booths that feature each group's experiments, findings, and digital portfolios.	Conduct a rehearsal session for the 'Plant Science Fair' where students practice presenting their research, demonstrating experiments, and engaging with peers and visitors.	Host the 'Plant Science Fair' as the culminating event, inviting peers, teachers, and community members to explore the interactive booths and engage in discussions about plant science.
Deliverables	1. A finalized lab report submitted for assessment, reflecting comprehensive analysis and understanding of plant growth experiments. 2. Completed digital portfolios submitted for review, showcasing the entire learning process and project outcomes. 3. Successful participation in the 'Plant Science Fair' with a well-organized and engaging booth presentation.
Preparation	1. Review and provide final feedback on lab reports to guide students in making necessary revisions. 2. Ensure all necessary technology and presentation materials are available and functioning for the digital portfolio compilation. 3. Organize the logistics for hosting the 'Plant Science Fair,' including space arrangements, invitations, and any necessary equipment. 4. Prepare guidelines for booth presentations and provide students with strategies for effective communication and audience engagement. 5. Coordinate with community partners and invite them to participate in the 'Plant Science Fair' as guests or judges.