allthatcorn

All That Corn

Objective: After planting corn seeds, the students will observe,
measure, and record the data of their corn plant growth.

Materials Needed:

corn information card, desktop publishing software and book marked Native American and corn Web sites
two or three corn seeds per student
clear plastic cups
soil
water
paper cut in the shape of a corn
corn food recipes

Procedures:

1. Have all the materials ready. Also, create and print out a corn information card for the students to read before they begin their activity with the following information:

CORN INFORMATION CARD: Corn, also known as maize, was first found in North America. The Native Americans began collecting it and using it for food almost 10,000 years ago. From that time on the use of corn has increased so much that it is now one of the world's most important crop.

2. Students will plant and grow corn. During the growth, the students will record data of their observations in a computer-generated journal.

3. Planting the seeds:
     a. Fill a clear, plastic cup with soil halfway to the top
     b. Plant 2 or 3 corn seeds near the sides of the glass and cover with soil
     c. Water the seeds until the soil is moist
     d. Place the cup near a window where it will get full sunlight and water it as needed
     e. Observe the growth and record your data
     f. When the plant reaches 6 inches, it may be transplanted to the ground

4. Recording data:
    a. Create a corn journal using the paper cut in corn shapes by placing at least 5 sheets and stapling on the side
    b. Write the date of the observation and a brief description of what you see for each entry
    c. If the plant has a stem and leaves, measure it using a ruler or measuring tape and record the measurement on that day. "Ask Earl" a question about growing corn at Yahooligans Ask Earl

5. After reading some of the corn food recipes provided, select four favorite recipes from the recipes. Write and illustrate each recipe selected on corn shape paper. Teacher can also create a corn template, print this out, and have use this to type text on.

6. As an extended activity, students vote on their favorite recipe and prepare it. Usually the cafeteria managers of the schools will not mind cooking it for you. You may be able to enjoy eating it before the Thanksgiving.

At Indian Index, click on Native American Chart, find the Food column, scroll down to Iroquois, click on Three Sisters- corn, scroll down to Art.

Question: Why did Indians wear corn husk masks and paint their faces? Answer: To frighten away the evil spirits.

Learn more about corn and take an online quiz at Ohio Corn

Evaluation:

Assess the data recorded on the computer-generated corn journal and student-created corn recipes.

Extension Activity:

Create another kind of plant growth chart using the drawing tools of a computer program or by inserting a picture of a corn plant into a table to measure growth
Draw straight lines at intervals from the stem. Lines are used to measure the growth of the plants
Measure the corn plant growth every few days and record the data on the chart
At the end of the unit, the plant growth charts can be displayed to compare growth rates
Students can create a spreadsheet and corresponding graph to reflect various growth rates
When unit is completed, give plants to students to plant on school grounds or at home.

Homework:

Write an acrostic poem or other type of poem about corn.

Colossal
Outside
Rising
Nourishment

Corn Haiku

Husks blow in the wind,
Grind kernels for bread and stew,
Celebrate harvest.

Fieldtrip:

Visit a local museum if it hosting an exhibit about Native Americans.