Hands-on with Flowers and Seeds Sample Activity

Theme: Natural History Authors: Mrs. Irene Bird/Mrs. Nina Crain Grade Three, R.D. Wood School, Millville, NJ

Introduction These lessons originated from third grade classes in small inner-city school. Being a neighborhood school, it was difficult to find an area conducive to hands-on, environmental lessons. We relied on a small “triangle” of land to produce what has become a learning habitat shared by the entire school body and appreciated by all in the neighborhood and surrounding areas. The land that was once of discarded bottles and trash is the home of beautiful foliage, flowers and other living creatures. The “Triangle Park” plays host to science lessons for all grades, or is simply a nice place to hold mini-concerts or reading groups. Although the park requires a great deal of maintenance, the rewards are long lasting. Many subject areas can be touched upon during this project. Primarily, Science skills are learned. Writing activities, Health and Math can also be easily integrated. Evaluation can come from teacher-made tests, textbook-generated tests, written journals and observations. Be sure to capture the stages of development with either photographs or a video. This is also an excellent journal exercise. Children will be amazed how the seeds beneath the dead flowers become the next year’s centerpiece!

N13 Hands-on with Flowers and Seeds

Objective Phase 1: Phase 2: Students will understand the A Look at the Flowers Collection and Soil Preparation concept of the life cycle of Vocabulary to be introduced flowering plants. Students will Pistil, petal, stamen, sepal, This includes seed collection also experience how the pollen, pollination, reproductive and composting of the existing maintenance of plants can build plant materials. This occurs in a sense of community service Materials the fall, a severe frost. and appreciation for one’s Various flowers Pre-existing plants are environment. This will be A flower chart (found in most necessary for this phase. accomplished in three distinct science books or at a teacher If the plants are not available, phases and require the changing center). purchased seeds may be used of the seasons to effectively for demonstration purposes demonstrate the life cycle. Procedure as well as for spring sowing. The lessons, or “phases,” 1. Display the flower poster. Marigold seeds are easy to (as they will require more Call on students to name and grow, are hardy to the elements than one class period), are: locate the parts of the flower. and are easily identified. Explain that the primary Phase 1: A Look at the Flowers; Vocabulary to be introduced Phase 2: Seed collection and reproductive organs of Annuals, seeds, seed gathering, Soil Preparation; and Phase 3: flowering plants are located seed pods, compost, frost Seed Germination, Planting and in the flower. Maintenance. The phases were 2. Allow students to collect a Materials designed to fit the school variety of flowers. (This is Containers for collecting seeds calendar year. However, they may most easily done in either late Gloves also be switched to be taught spring or early fall.) Examine Newspapers according to the season –– using the flower chart whichever best suits your as a guide. Have students Storage containers for housing learning environment. locate the different parts of seeds once they’ve dried. the flower. A magnifying Procedure glass will better enable the 1. Have the students become students to see individual familiar with the terms. structures of pollen drops. This is best accomplished by Students will be able to note having various types of seeds that all flowers are not alike. and seed pods for examples. 3. Discuss how pollination and This can be an in-class activity fertilization must occur for or may take place wherever seeds to form. If possible with the plants are located. Explain the collected flowers, show to students that annual plants students how the seeds are live for only one season. The produced within the flower. seeds are necessary if the cycle of the given plant is to recur.

N14 Hands-on with Flowers and Seeds

2. Have students locate particular Phase 3: begins to produce a new seeds by giving them actual Seed Germination, plant. Also discuss with examples. (Again, marigolds Planting & students that like humans, work well here because of Maintenance seeds need warmth, sunlight their distinct seed pod.) This and necessary food (or is like a Scavenger Hunt for Vocabulary to be introduced nutrients) in order to survive. the children. Demonstrate Germination, seed coat, how the seeds are stored in nutrients 2. Have students mix soil and prepare the trays for seed their protective pod, even after Materials the color of the flower has planting. Allow students to faded. Allow students to Seeds collected in the fall sow the seeds and assume collect seeds, reminding them Potting soil responsibility of maintaining that these same seeds will be Seed trays the soil. Depending on the seed type, students will be next year’s harvest. Spray bottles able to observe and record the 3. Demonstrate to students how Light (artificial or sunny seed growth in a few days. to remove the seeds from their window area) 3. When the seeds reach the pods (if necessary) and lay the Procedure seeds on the newspaper for a height of four–five inches and few days to ensure they are 1. Introduce the vocabulary to there is no danger of frost, dry. If the seeds contain even students, reminding them that students should transplant the the slightest bit of moisture germination is a term used to seedlings into the flower beds when they are stored, they describe the fact that a seed in the park. Again, allow will likely mold and not students to assume the germinate. Dried seeds can responsibility of maintaining then be stored in envelopes or the plants: watering and other containers until spring. weeding when necessary. 4. After the seeds are collected, students can help remove dead plant materials and create a compost pile that can be used in the spring for nutrients. Prepare the soil for the winter months by turning the soil and ridding it of any unwanted weeds or debris.

N15