Foods That Grow Underground
HOW IT WORKS
Foods That Grow Underground is an
interdisciplinary program based on science which
effectively integrates math, language arts, and
technology. It is designed to give students with
disabilities a way to experience science as a
hands-on exploratory process in a cooperative
environment. Second graders learn the ways
underground foods are produced, how
temperature affects their growth, and the changes that
take place when they are cooked. They learn
about vegetative production by planting and
observing the growth of underground foods: as
plants from bulbs, stems from roots, and eyes
from potato seeds. Information about these
foods is obtained from the Internet and
encyclopedias. The unit begins with planting white
potatoes in the classroom. The children observe the
potatoes before they grow eyes, and compare
them with potatoes that have grown eyes. The
students also engage in research on the
Internet and learn the rudiments of typing. The
reports are divided among the students. Lessons on onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, and
carrots are taught. The children make a field trip
to the local supermarket to investigate and
compare the prices of these foods. They also
make several trips to the P4 garden to
transplant the young plants. Here the goods develop
for harvesting. Through this program, students
learn that they can create a garden almost
anywhere, and have the opportunity to experiment
and make predictions about the results.
THE STUDENTS
The students are second graders. The class is a
SIE V11A (Specialized Instructional
Environment) with severe emotional difficulties. The
classroom has two computers, one with Internet
access. Prior to this program, the children had
no formal training in typing or using the Internet.
Students work cooperatively to perform tests
and record data and information. This program
can be adapted for all grades and for varying
needs and achievement levels.
THE STAFF
Carol Mangra has taught in the SIE V11 pro-gram
for eight years, during which time she has
taught many grades. For the past four years,
she has enjoyed teaching second grade, and is
committed to developing curriculum areas for
this population. This is the second year that she
has used Foods That Grow Underground. In order to
carry out this program, the assistance of a paraprofessional is
needed.
WHAT YOU NEED
The program requires two computers (iMac and
Power PC). One must have Internet access. The necessary software is Student Writing
Center and ClarisWorks. You will also use
conventional encyclopedias. In addition, you need
planting material (seeds, bulbs, and potatoes)
and cooking utensils (a pot, spoon, and hot
plate). The computers are set up on a table in
the classroom. Books are available from the
class library and the school library. There is a class trip to the
local supermarket and a garden. You may invite a guest speaker
from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. A good source for obtaining information
about this is www.gardenersnet.com/vegetables/carrots.htm.
OVERALL VALUE
This program gives the opportunity to
experience science as a hands-on, exploratory
process. It enables the student to achieve
success and increase his/her self-esteem. Through
the use of the computer, the students get a
quick source of information. As their self-esteem
increases, their inappropriate behavior decreases.
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