Nuffield Foundation
Identifying the Conditions Needed for Photosynthesis
Budding biologists often ask how scientists know what they do about different topics. In the lab described here, they have a chance to find out first-hand about the requirements for photosynthesis. Three sequential investigations are...
Curated OER
Light and Starch Production in Photosynthesis
Young scholars are given the unique opportunity to see the contrast between parts of a leaf that have photosynthesized and parts of the leaf that have not. This visual image helps students see the results of this biological process. At...
Curated OER
Plants have needs, too!
Plants can die if they don't get enough sunlight and water. Kindergartners observe a picture of a hanging plant and grass under a tree, and interpret which each plant has died. Next, they grow watercress seeds in wet cotton to compare...
Curated OER
Plant Transpiration
Students conduct various experiments to investigate plant transpiration. In this biology lesson, students explain how this process helps maintain the hydrologic cycle. They measure the rate of water loss in plants using a potometer.
Curated OER
Make Your Own Newspaper Plant Pots
Students make plant pots out of newspaper as part of a recycle, reuse, and reduce instructional activity. In this recycling instructional activity, students fold a piece of newspaper to make a pot in which to start plants. They fill it...
Curated OER
What Do Plants Need?
Students experiment with plants. In this plant lesson, students research the needs of plants. Students determine if all plants have the same requirements for growth. In small groups, students experiment with different plants.
Curated OER
Plant Nutrition and Nutrients
Students observe seeds growth and examine the different parts of the seedling. In this biology lesson, students compare the growth of seeds planted in soil and in hydroponics. They record their observations in their science journal and...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Light Reflection and Absorption
Students discover what types of objects reflect and absorb light. In this science inquiry activity, students use flashlights to determine whether different objects absorb or reflect light.
Curated OER
Windowsill Gardening: Food From Sunlight
In this windowsill gardening food from sunlight worksheet, students research photosynthesis, write about it, observe and record sunlight at home as it relates to the needs of a plant.
Curated OER
Light Plants and Dark Plants, Wet Plants and Dry Ones
Young scholars plant sunflower seeds in plastic cups, and once germinated, these are exposed to different conditions of light levels and/or soil moisture contents. Students measure growth of the seedlings every few days using...
Curated OER
Growing Plants
Students explore plants and recognize that they are living things that require light and water to grow. In this online plant biology lesson plan, students identify, name and match the parts of plants. Extension activities and suggested...
Curated OER
The Radish Experiment
First graders grow radishes. In this Science lesson, 1st graders observe the growth of radishes in both the light and dark. Students discuss what plants need to live.
Curated OER
The Needs of Living Things
Students watch video clips of animals and plants in their natural environment, to gather evidence that all living things have basic survival needs. Students draw pictures of real or imaginary pets eating, drinking, breathing, and taking...
American Chemical Society
Isolation of Phytochrome
Why do soybean plants that are planted weeks apart in the spring mature simultaneously in the fall? Four independent activities cover the history of phytochrome research, scientist collaboration, the electromagnetic spectrum, and...
Curated OER
Basic Needs of Plants
Fourth graders explore the four basic needs of plants. They examine plants as they grow. Students discuss the changes that they see in the growing plants. They observe what happens to a plant when one of its basic needs is taken away.
Curated OER
What is the Function of Each Seed Part in the Growth of a Plant
Sixth graders investigate the parts of a seed by using a digital camera. In this botany lesson, 6th graders plant their own seeds in class and demonstrate the necessary attributes for growing a plant. Students utilize a camera to...
Curated OER
Plant Structure, Function and Growth
Students study three structures of a plant as well as their locations and functions. In this botany lesson students complete several activities on plant organs and their functions.
Curated OER
Life Cycle of Brassica Plants: Planting Seeds
Learners explore botany by participating in a calendar class activity. In this plant observation lesson, students examine a diagram of a Brassica plant and identify its anatomy before planting their own seeds and viewing the changes over...
Curated OER
Plant Pollination and Fertilization
Fourth graders research and apply knowledge about plant pollination and fertilization in this lesson. They color on a flower diagram the anther, the pistil, the pollen, the pollen tube, the ovary, and the egg to show the process of...
Curated OER
Grow Your Own Grub
Students study plant needs and growth by completing a gardening activity. In this plant study lesson, students watch a video and discuss plant growth needs. Students plant seeds in containers and water the plants. Students take photos of...
Curated OER
Habitat Basics
First graders get out and explore two different habitats to examine how each one meets the needs of the plants and animals that dwell there. They discuss what they've learned about animal habitats as they explore the outdoor environment....
Curated OER
Who Needs What?
Students identify the physical needs of animals and if plants need the same things as animals. They conduct an experiment to see if plants need light and water to grow. They compare the growth of the plants exposed to the different...
Curated OER
WET Science Lesson #11: How Light Affects Water
Scientists listen to the story of Wadja Egnankou who works to save African mangrove forests. They experiment with refraction and the introduction of particulate matter to water. They conclude with creative writing about the need for a...
Curated OER
Plant Explorers
Students investigate how plants take in water, nutrients, and light. They create artwork showing how plants survive in different environments.