"Plantastic: The Power of Roots & Shoots!"

High School Grade Project 2 weeks

"Plantastic: The Power of Roots & Shoots!"

Nick W

HS-LS1-2

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

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Purpose

This project immerses high school students in an exploration of plant structures, fostering a deeper understanding of the hierarchical organization within multicellular organisms. By engaging in hands-on experiments, reflective journaling, and collaborative critique, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while connecting their learning to ecological systems. The experience encourages self-directed learning and cultivates an academic mindset, empowering students to draw meaningful connections between scientific concepts and their real-world applications.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the hierarchical organization and functions of plant roots, stems, and leaves through hands-on experimentation and modeling. They will enhance their self-directed learning skills by seeking information, reflecting on feedback, and refining their hypotheses. Additionally, students will cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by engaging in peer reviews and analyzing real-world ecological connections.

Standards

[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS1-2 - Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a video documentary showcasing their experiments on plant structures and environmental variables, demonstrating their understanding of plant physiology. They will also compile a digital photo journal from a plant structure scavenger hunt, featuring photographs and analyses of various plant parts. These products will be shared during peer review sessions, where students provide and receive feedback to refine their work.

Launch

To kick off the learning experience, students will embark on an exploratory walk around the school grounds or a nearby park, equipped with magnifying glasses and notebooks. They will observe and sketch various plant structures, noting their initial thoughts on the functions of roots, stems, and leaves. This hands-on exploration will spark curiosity and set the stage for the upcoming project, encouraging students to generate questions and hypotheses about plant physiology.

Exhibition

At the conclusion of the project, students will host an interactive exhibition showcasing their digital photo journals and video documentaries. This event will invite peers, teachers, and community members to explore the students' findings on plant structures and their functions. Attendees can engage with students through Q&A sessions, providing an opportunity for students to articulate their learning process and insights. The exhibition will also feature a guided plant structure scavenger hunt, allowing visitors to experience the students' learning journey firsthand.

Learning Journey

Project Activities

Days 1 - 10

Milestone Activities

No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Exploration Walk Activity 20m	Hypothesis Development Activity 20m	Model Building Activity 20m	Research and Reflection Activity 20m	Peer Feedback Session Activity 20m
Preparation

Week 2	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Model Testing and Data Collection Activity 20m	Data Analysis and Interpretation Activity 20m	Video Documentary Planning Activity 20m	Video Documentation and Editing Activity 20m	Reflective Journal Entry and Peer Review Activity 20m
Preparation