Title: Investigating the Growth and Changes in Plants

Grade Level: Grade 3

Curriculum Connections: - Science: Understanding Life Systems (Growth and Changes in Plants) - Ontario Curriculum: Science and Technology, Grade 3

Overall Expectations: 1. Assess the impact of human activities and technologies on the growth and changes in plants. 2. Investigate the growth and changes in plants over time. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic needs of plants and the factors that affect their growth.

Specific Expectations: 1. Identify and describe the major parts of plants, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. 2. Investigate and compare the growth of plants grown in different conditions (e.g., with and without sunlight, with and without water). 3. Observe and record changes in plants over time, including growth, flowering, and fruiting. 4. Identify and describe factors that affect the growth of plants (e.g., light, water, temperature, soil). 5. Describe the basic needs of plants (e.g., sunlight, water, air, nutrients) and explain how these needs are met in different environments.

Experiment: Comparing the Growth of Plants in Different Conditions

Materials: - Two identical plant pots - Soil - Seeds (e.g., bean, sunflower, radish) - Water - Sunlight - Measuring tape or ruler - Notebook or chart for recording observations

Procedure: 1. Prepare two identical plant pots by filling them with soil. 2. Plant the same type of seeds in both pots, following the instructions on the seed packet. 3. Place one pot in an area with ample sunlight and the other pot in a shaded area. 4. Water both pots regularly, ensuring that they receive the same amount of water. 5. Observe and record the growth of the plants over a period of several weeks. 6. Measure the height of the plants using a measuring tape or ruler. 7. Record any changes in the plants, such as the appearance of leaves, flowers, or fruits. 8. Compare the growth and changes in the plants grown in different conditions. 9. Discuss the factors that may have influenced the growth of the plants, such as sunlight and water. 10. Reflect on the basic needs of plants and how they were met in each environment.

Assessment: - Students’ ability to accurately observe and record the growth and changes in plants. - Students’ understanding of the factors that affect the growth of plants. - Students’ ability to compare and analyze the growth of plants in different conditions. - Students’ ability to explain how the basic needs of plants are met in different environments.

Extension: - Students can conduct additional experiments to investigate the effects of other factors on plant growth, such as temperature or different types of soil. - Students can research and present information on how human activities and technologies impact the growth and changes in plants.