Lesson Plan: Project-Based Learning in 4th Grade Science (Florida Standards)

Objective: Students will demonstrate their understanding of the scientific method and the concept of ecosystems by designing and conducting an experiment to investigate the impact of environmental factors on plant growth.

Florida Standard: SC.4.L.17.4 - Recognize ways plants and animals, including humans, can impact the environment.

Materials: - Various plant seeds (e.g., sunflower, bean, radish) - Soil - Planting pots or cups - Water - Light source (e.g., sunlight, lamp) - Temperature control (e.g., heating pad, refrigerator) - Rubric for assessment

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by discussing the importance of plants and their role in the environment.
   • Explain that students will be conducting an experiment to investigate how different environmental factors can impact plant growth.
   • Review the scientific method and its steps: question, hypothesis, experiment, data collection, analysis, and conclusion.
2. Brainstorming and Hypothesis (15 minutes):
   • Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a sheet of paper and markers.
   • Instruct students to brainstorm different environmental factors that may affect plant growth (e.g., light, temperature, water).
   • Encourage students to discuss and write down their ideas on the paper.
   • After brainstorming, have each group choose one environmental factor to focus on for their experiment.
   • Instruct students to write a hypothesis for their chosen factor, predicting how it will affect plant growth.
3. Experimental Design (20 minutes):
   • Provide each group with the necessary materials (seeds, soil, pots, water, light source, temperature control).
   • Instruct students to design an experiment to test their hypothesis.
   • Remind students to include a control group (plants grown under normal conditions) for comparison.
   • Encourage students to think about the variables they need to control and the data they will collect.
4. Experimentation (30 minutes):
   • Allow students to set up their experiments, following their designed procedures.
   • Circulate the classroom to provide guidance and answer any questions.
   • Remind students to record their observations and measurements throughout the experiment.
5. Data Collection and Analysis (20 minutes):
   • After a suitable period of time (e.g., one to two weeks), have students collect their data.
   • Instruct students to record their observations, measurements, and any changes they noticed in their plants.
   • Guide students in analyzing their data and drawing conclusions based on their observations.
6. Presentation and Reflection (15 minutes):
   • Have each group prepare a short presentation to share their experiment, data, and conclusions with the class.
   • Encourage students to reflect on their initial hypothesis and discuss any unexpected results or challenges they encountered.
   • Allow time for questions and discussion after each presentation.
7. Rubric Assessment (5 minutes):
   • Use the provided rubric to assess each group’s experiment, data collection, analysis, and presentation.
   • Provide constructive feedback to help students improve their scientific inquiry skills.

Extension Activity: - As an extension, students can research and present on the impact of human activities on ecosystems, connecting it to the concept of plants and animals impacting the environment.

Assessment Rubric:

Criteria 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point Experimental Design Clearly Mostly Partially Little or no defined and defined and defined and experimental controlled controlled controlled design or control observed Data Collection and Thoroughly Mostly Partially Little or no Analysis collected and collected and collected and data collected analyzed analyzed analyzed or analyzed Presentation Skills Engaging Clear and Some Little or no and well- organized organization organization organized presentation or clarity or clarity presentation Conclusion Clear and Mostly Partially Little or no supported supported supported conclusion conclusion conclusion conclusion drawn