Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand basic concepts of Earth Science related to gardening.

Materials and Prep

• A small potted plant
• A clear plastic cup
• A small shovel or spoon
• A spray bottle filled with water
• A sunny spot in your home or garden
• A notebook and pencil
• Prior knowledge of basic plant parts (roots, stem, leaves, flowers)

Activities

1. Observing Plant Parts

   Take your potted plant and carefully remove it from the pot. Gently shake off any excess soil and observe the different parts of the plant - roots, stem, leaves, and flowers (if present). Use your notebook to draw and label each part.

2. Planting Seeds

   Fill the clear plastic cup with soil from your garden or potting soil. Make a small hole in the soil using the shovel or spoon. Place a few seeds in the hole and cover them with soil. Water the soil gently using the spray bottle.

3. Observing Seed Growth

   Place the cup in a sunny spot and water it regularly. Observe the cup every day and record any changes you notice in your notebook. Pay attention to the growth of the roots and stem, and any appearance of leaves.

4. Discussing the Water Cycle

   Talk about how plants need water to grow. Explain the water cycle in simple terms, mentioning how water evaporates from the ground, forms clouds, and falls back as rain. Emphasize the importance of watering plants to help them grow.

First Grade Talking Points

• "Plants have different parts like roots, stems, leaves, and flowers."
• "Seeds are tiny and can grow into new plants."
• "Plants need water and sunlight to grow."
• "When we water plants, it helps them get the water they need to survive and grow."
• "Rain is an important source of water for plants."
• "We can observe and keep track of how plants grow by looking at their roots, stems, and leaves."