Type: Hands on planting experience/experiment

Title: Plants, Plants everywhere!

Learning Objective: The student will:

• Observe, handle and explore various plant seeds and participate in a seed sowing and/or planting activity
• Learn about the necessary conditions for successful plant growth and health
• Discuss the purpose of seeds and the various ways in which seeds "move" and get planted
• Make and share observations with peers and connect them to a text

 Description: Students will be able to observe and handle various seeds and soil, gardening equipment and learn about the components of successful seedling and plant growth, ie: water, soil, sunshine. Students will participate in a hands on seed planting activity to engage them with the concept of plant growth. A root view display may also be used to enhance students' comprehension of roots and seedlings. Growth checks will be performed to observe, evaluate and discuss plant health and issues. 

 Materials: 

• Plant seeds - beans, tomatoes, sunflowers all work well 
• Soil and containers - any available - peat pots or plastic, raised beds or garden area if there is access to community or school garden

Sharing/Reflection/Closing:

This activity can be adapted in so many different ways and with different literature texts. As part of a larger curriculum about nature and agricultural literacy, this activity is a wonderfully engaging introduction to the planting and growing process. The sensory portion is key, in my opinion, to connect children with actual soil, seeds and plants, and a garden visit/demonstration would reinforce and enhance the instruction and knowledge retention rate. This activity will also help students practice their observation skills in nature and construct questions based on those observations. Discussion about the various plants seen and what their particular growth stages look like is a great exercise to demonstrate the variety of "fruits" that exist.