GROW PLANTS GROW
INQUIRY PROJECT
STEP 3 - MODIFY
Check, Measure, and Record
Measurements: Show students how to efficiently measure their plant's growth with a ruler positioned at the bottom of the dirt. Review the difference between millimetres and centimetres and how to know which one to use. Students should decide to use one or the other for their entire project.
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Recording: Students need to be recording daily measurements and observations in their Observation Booklet. Discuss the types of observations students may make, such as "My plant is now ___mm tall" or "My plant grew another leaf over the weekend. Now it has __ leaves". In addition, students should be taking a photo with their plant weekly. This could be taken with a class camera and uploaded to student folders at the end of every week. Discuss with students that they have to be in each picture and should be showing the plant's growth with a ruler and/or their hand. As results begin to build, discuss with students what they might do differently next time.
AT A GLANCE
WEEK 5
Check-in for daily measurements and pictures
WEEK 6
Review how to take a good photo to show progress
Science Board mini-layout; wrap boards
Begin typing data
WEEK 7
Observation Booklet
Provide students with a fun garden design on the front of their book or allow them to design their own. Having a smaller, individual book for students to use especially for this project builds the excitement of grabbing the booklet to record their next observation.
Mini Science Boards
Students should make a miniature replica of what they envision their science boards to look like before they create them. Using either a sheet of
8 1/2 x 11 or 4 1/4 x 5 1/2, spilt into thirds, have students think up a catchy title along with their layout. This will help students visualize what they need to accomplish in the coming weeks.