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Using the Scientific Method to Determine Which Conditions Best Favor Plant Growth
Seventh graders examine how the environment can affect biological processes. They identify the best conditions for the germination of bean seeds. They record and analyze their data. They write about their observations in an essay.
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Observing Pods
Middle schoolers observe the pistil growing into a tiny string bean-like seed pod. They then observe the development of the fertilized pods between Day 17 and Day 35 and record their observations by drawing and labeling, writing, and...
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Should Soil Be Sterile?
Students determine if the sterilization of topsoil is beneficial to seed germination and plant growth. They grow plants alongside control groups, make and record observations of plant growth and measure plant biomass.
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"Greenhouse" Sprouts Garden
Students grow sprouts in soil inside clear plastic bags. They record and monitor the growth for five days, and present their findings to the class.
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A Priceless Collection
Students read about and discuss life of Russian geneticist Nikolai Vavilov, define terms related to field of genetics, complete worksheets, conduct seed experiments, observe and record results, and locate seed banks on world map or globe.
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Sunlight and Plants
Students design and conduct an experiment to discover the role of direct sunlight on plants during germination and after germination. They plant corn and lima beans in small containers which they place in direct sunlight from a window...
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Ecology-Minded Garbage Plants
Students complete recycling activities to learn how ordinary garbage can create a living organism. In this recycling lesson, students take a combination of seeds from used fruits. Students water and grow the plants from the recycled seeds.
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Soil In The Amazon
Learners grow plants in soil representing that found in the Amazon basin. They compare results to plants growing in fertile soil and soil fertilized with leaf compost. Students chart, average and graph plant growth by height.
Learners...
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Energy Flow - How Much Biomass do Plants Produce?
Students explore the concept of biomass. In this plant lesson, students conduct a scientific investigation that requires them to observe plant growth and biomass.
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Fresh Greens In The Home
Pupils engage in the study of nutritional food choices that include fresh greens. They investigate the benefits of using simple planting techniques. The lesson also includes recipes for students to try out the habit of eating more food...
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Rain Reasons
Young scholars explore how climatic factors influence the growth of plants. They create an experiment to find how variations in water, light, and temperature affect plant growth and describe how precipitation and geography can affect the...
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Our Changing Environment-- A Demonstration
Students observe and describe changes in an environment when some of the components are changed. They recognize the process of succession by
preparing a miniaturized environment in which a variety of plants and seeds are grown.
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Teaching Biology Through Problem-based Activities
Pupils plant seeds and observe the life cycle of the organism. They experimentally research the effects of radiation on seed growth. Students determine the effects of environmental pollutants on harvested seed.
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We are where and what we eat
Young scholars explore concepts of plants they eat, where and how they grow and are introduced to genetic diversity. They examine seed characteristics, look at their different sizes, shapes and germination time. They also set up seeds...
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Dichotomous Key for Identifying Pine Trees
Middle schoolers identify the species of pine trees that are found in their area. They use unlabeled "mystery" samples and a dichotomous key to identify the pine trees to species. After identification, they use a field guide to answer...
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Investigation Xylem
Students investigate how water travels up the stem of vascular plants by using food coloring to stain the xylem of a number of different plants. They know the function of leaves, stems, and root at the end of the experiment.
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Crickets on the Hearth
Middle schoolers investigate how crickets behave in cold temperatures. In this life science lesson, students explain the beneficial and harmful effect of pests. They research ways to properly manage them.