What's in the Garden?

How It Works: 
What's in the Garden? is a unit that introduces students to plants and a variety of insects. Through web-based activities and information hunts, students explore how to use the Internet to gain information on a variety of topics. Combining literature, hands-on activities and technology, this unit allows children of all learning styles to benefit. An Ant Internet Scavenger Hunt, a Plant PowerPoint presentation, online interactive Bee activities, and creation of an imaginary insect are some examples of the fun things students will do.

Standards:
Describes patterns of structure and function in living things

Understands the competitive, interdependent, cyclic nature of living things in the environment

Knows the basic needs of all living things

Knows how to apply knowledge about life processes to distinguish between living and nonliving things

Describes how organisms change as they grow and mature 

Understands that structures of living things are adapted to their function in specific environments

Compares and describes the structural characteristics of plants and animals

Knows that green plants use carbon dioxide, water and sunlight energy to turn minerals and nutrients into food for growth, maintenance, and reproduction


Estimated Class Periods To Complete:
 6

Software Materials Used:
Computer with Internet connection, printer and Microsoft Office.

Keywords:
plants, insects, ants, bees, butterflies, science, environment, habitat, carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, energy, metamorphosis.

Students:
This unit is designed for second grade students, however, it can be easily adapted for higher grade levels. ESOL (English as a Second Language) students may need additional help with vocabulary. The teacher may need to modify some of the lessons in order to meet the needs of the students being taught.

Overall:
This unit integrates science, language arts and technology. Students of all learning styles benefit by participating in a variety of activities including technology and hands-on activities.

Tips:
It would be helpful if students are trained in Internet navigational skills and the use of Microsoft Word. Teacher should check the URLs provided to make sure they are still active.

About the Teacher: 
Carmen Concepcion is the Reading Leader at Southside Elementary Bilingual School. She is in her sixth year of teaching. She has a Masters in Computer Education and is currently working on her Educational Leadership Specialist. She has been part of the Citibank FamilyTech program for three years.

Subjects:  
Science

Grade Levels: 
1 & 2

Email Carmen

 

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