Experiments with Plants

Wisconsin Fast Plants

Comments || Introduction || Content Outline || Concept Map || Learning Objectives || Activities || Teaching Strategies || Resources || Assessment || Notes to a Teacher

Back to Grade 6

Comments

The Wisconsin Fast Plants Program is a science education program located at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Kits and materials are distributed through Carolina Biological Supply Company.

Introduction

Experiments with Plants is a sixth grade science unit. In this unit students will grow Wisconsin Fast Plants, and conduct experiments by identifying variables and using the scientific method.

Content Outline

• The Scientific Method
• Plants
• Bees and pollination
• Making observations and keeping a journal
• Analyzing data

Concept Map

Learning Objective

By the end of this unit students will:

• use the scientific method to design and conduct an experiment
• identify variables and set up a fair test
• understand

Activities

Experiments with plants:

• Students study the life cycle and growing conditions for the Wisconsin Fast Plant.
• Using the scientific method, students set up a fair test to determine the effect of a variable on the growth of the plant.
• Students conduct their experiments and keep detailed observations in a journal.
• After the data has been collected and analyzed, students will present their findings.

Supplemental activities:

• Students conduct field obeservations of flowers and bees.
• A database is compiled using the data collected during the field observation.
• Students research honeybees and prepare a book project based on their research.
• A detailed three dimensional model of a flower is designed and constructed.

Teaching Strategies

Resources

Links to related sites:

• Wisconsin Fast Plants The Wisconsin Fast Plant homepage at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
• Gary's Fast Plant Classroom
• Carolina Biological Supply - Fast Plant Tips
• Pollination of Plants by Insects Basic information on plants and pollination.
• Bees and Beekeeping Homepage Beekeeping website with information on bee biology, beekeping and reasearch. Includes an educational area with reading lists, activities and games.

Assessment

Notes to a Teacher

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Back to Grade 6

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