"Plant Power: Environment Edition!"

High School Grade

Project
4 weeks

"Plant Power: Environment Edition!"

Kevin Wellborn

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a hands-on investigation of how varying environmental conditions affect plant growth. By designing and conducting experiments, students will explore the roles of light, water, and soil in plant development. This project encourages critical thinking and collaboration as students analyze data and draw conclusions about optimal growth environments.

Learning goals

Students will investigate how environmental factors such as light, water, and soil affect plant growth by designing and conducting controlled experiments. They will collect and analyze data to understand the impact of these variables on plant health and development. By the end of the project, students will be able to articulate the role of each environmental factor in the plant life cycle and present their findings through a scientific report or presentation.

Standards

NGSS - HS-LS1-5: Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
NGSS - HS-LS2-3: Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Products

Students will create a detailed lab report that documents their experimental design, observations, and conclusions about how different environmental factors affect plant growth. They will also develop a multimedia presentation to share their findings, incorporating data visualizations and photographs of their plants at various stages. Additionally, students will construct a comparative analysis chart that highlights the impact of variables such as light, water, and soil on plant health and development.

Launch

Begin the project with a hands-on activity where students plant seeds in various containers, each representing a different environment (e.g., varying light, water, and soil conditions). Facilitate a class discussion to brainstorm hypotheses about which conditions will most favorably impact plant growth. Encourage students to document their initial predictions and create a plan for observing and measuring plant development over the project duration.

Exhibition

Students will present their findings in a "Plant Growth Science Fair," where they showcase their experimental setups, data, and conclusions. Each group will create a visual display that includes charts, photographs, and a summary of their results. Students will also prepare a brief presentation to explain their experiment's design and outcomes to peers, teachers, and community members, fostering a collaborative and interactive learning environment.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to the Project - Facilitate an engaging discussion on plant growth and environmental factors. Introduce students to the essential question and the purpose of the project.	Activity 2: Hypothesis Development - Guide students to brainstorm and develop hypotheses about how different environmental conditions (light, water, soil) might affect plant growth.	Activity 3: Experimental Design - Assist students in designing their experiments. Have them outline their methods for testing each environmental variable, including controls, and document their plans.	Activity 4: Planting Seeds - Provide students with seeds and various containers. Have them set up their experiments by planting seeds in different environmental conditions as per their experimental design.	Activity 5: Initial Observations and Documentation - Encourage students to make initial observations, document their setups, and record their predictions in a lab notebook or digital document.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Hypothesis and Experimental Design Document - A written document where students articulate their hypotheses and detailed plans for their experiments, including the variables they will test and their method of data collection.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Gather materials such as seeds, soil, containers, watering cans, and light sources. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare a presentation or handout that introduces the essential questions and the purpose of the project. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop a checklist or template for students to use when designing their experiments. 4. Prep Task 4: Set up a space in the classroom or school where students can plant and observe their experiments. 5. Prep Task 5: Ensure access to lab notebooks or digital devices for students to record their observations and experiment plans.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Data Collection - Guide students in systematically measuring and recording the growth of their plants under different environmental conditions. Ensure they take measurements such as height, number of leaves, and any visible signs of health.	Activity 2: Observational Drawing - Have students create detailed drawings of their plants, focusing on structural differences and noting any variations caused by different environments.	Activity 3: Midpoint Analysis - Encourage students to analyze their collected data and initial observations. Facilitate a discussion on any emerging patterns or trends they notice in plant growth.	Activity 4: Adjustments & Predictions - Based on their midpoint analysis, have students make any necessary adjustments to their experimental conditions. Prompt them to update their hypotheses and predictions if needed.	Activity 5: Reflection & Documentation - Allocate time for students to reflect on their findings and document their process in a digital journal or lab notebook, focusing on the role of light, water, and soil in plant growth.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Midpoint Data Report - A summary of data collected so far, including measurements, drawings, and initial analyses of their plants' growth under different conditions. 2. Deliverable 2: Updated Hypothesis Document - A revised document where students adjust their hypotheses and predictions based on the midpoint analysis and observations.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Prepare measurement tools such as rulers, scales, and cameras for documenting plant growth. 2. Prep Task 2: Organize materials for observational drawing, including sketch paper and pencils. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop guiding questions or prompts for the midpoint analysis discussion to help students identify patterns. 4. Prep Task 4: Create a template for the Midpoint Data Report to help students organize their findings. 5. Prep Task 5: Set up a digital platform for students to maintain their journals and share reflections on their observations.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Advanced Data Analysis - Students use statistical methods to analyze their collected data in detail. They compare different environmental conditions and identify which factors most significantly impacted plant growth.	Activity 2: Data Visualization - Guide students in creating graphs and charts to visualize their data. They will use software tools to present growth patterns and trends clearly.	Activity 3: Peer Review Session - Organize a session where students present their data visualizations and analyses to their peers for feedback. Encourage critical discussion and suggestions for improvement.	Activity 4: Scientific Research - Students research scholarly articles or case studies related to their experiments. This helps them understand real-world applications and reinforces their findings with existing scientific literature.	Activity 5: Drafting the Scientific Report - Students begin drafting their scientific report, incorporating data, visualizations, and research. They outline their findings, discuss the implications, and connect them to the essential questions.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Data Visualization Portfolio - A collection of graphs and charts representing their experimental data. 2. Deliverable 2: Draft Scientific Report - An initial draft of their comprehensive scientific report, including introduction, methods, results, discussion, and references.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Prepare resources for data analysis, including statistical tools or software tutorials. 2. Prep Task 2: Arrange access to computers or tablets with data visualization software. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop a rubric for peer review, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and creativity in data presentation. 4. Prep Task 4: Compile a list of recommended scholarly articles and resources for student research. 5. Prep Task 5: Provide a template or guide for drafting the scientific report, highlighting key sections and expected content.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Final Data Review - Students conduct a final review of their data, ensuring accuracy and completeness. They make any necessary corrections and finalize their data sets for inclusion in their reports and presentations.	Activity 2: Completing the Scientific Report - Students finalize their scientific reports, incorporating feedback from peer reviews and ensuring all sections are thorough. They focus on crafting a concise and insightful discussion and conclusion.	Activity 3: Multimedia Presentation Preparation - Guide students in preparing a multimedia presentation of their findings. They will integrate data visualizations, photographs, and key points from their reports to create an engaging narrative.	Activity 4: Rehearsal for Plant Growth Science Fair - Organize rehearsal sessions where students practice presenting their findings and receive constructive feedback from peers and teachers. This helps them refine their delivery and content.	Activity 5: Plant Growth Science Fair - Host the Plant Growth Science Fair where students present their experiments, reports, and multimedia presentations to classmates, teachers, and community members. Encourage interaction and discussion.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Final Scientific Report - A polished version of their scientific report, including all sections: introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. 2. Deliverable 2: Multimedia Presentation - A well-prepared presentation that includes data visualizations, photographs, and a summary of their findings, ready for the Science Fair.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Provide feedback on draft reports and guide students in refining their conclusions. 2. Prep Task 2: Ensure availability of multimedia tools and software for creating presentations. 3. Prep Task 3: Arrange the venue for the Plant Growth Science Fair, including display areas for presentations and reports. 4. Prep Task 4: Develop a schedule for the Science Fair, ensuring all students have adequate time to present. 5. Prep Task 5: Invite community members and other classes to attend the Science Fair, fostering a supportive and engaging atmosphere.