Noticing and Naming the Learning
What are you going to learn today?
We are learning to…
- describe ways we care for and respect the environment
- ask questions and describe what we can find in nature
- make predictions and observations when exploring and designing
- choose materials and design a structure
- reflect and share our learning
How do I show what I have learned?
I can…
- think and share different ways I can care for the Earth
- explore the steps and materials I need to grow a plant
- share the materials and steps needed to grow a plant
- reflect on what a plant needs to grow and why plants are important
Minds On
What can we do?
We can all do our part to help and respect our Earth.
Explore the following images. What are these children doing?
As you work through this learning activity, you can record your ideas in many ways.
Listen to the following audio recording to learn more about how to record your ideas.
How to Record Your Ideas
Action
Caring for our Earth
There are many ways that we can help take care of our Earth.
In the Minds On, you explored some images of children helping to keep our planet happy and healthy!
Let’s take a look at these activities again. How do you think this helps our Earth?
Let’s explore how planting can help our Earth.
Plants provide clean air and food, whether we grow them indoors or outdoors.
When we care for plants, trees, and our environment, we help each other and our Earth.
Teacher Chiara and Ava are having a conversation. Ava says, "What do plants needs to grow?" Teacher Chiara says "That is a great question, Ava. Let's find out.
Brainstorm
Brainstorm
What do you think a plant needs to grow?
If possible, share your ideas with someone else.
Learn from Gabrielle!
A plant growing in the ground. The sun shines above and is labeled "sunlight." The soil is labeled, and water drops are shown on the plant. The stems can be seen.
Let’s watch the TVO Kids video, Gabrielle the Germinator, to find the answer to Ava’s question.
As you watch, think about the information Gabrielle shares about:
- what plants need to grow
- materials that she uses
- steps we can follow to grow our own plant
What materials did Gabrielle use to plant her seed?
Press the Possible answer button to find out.
- soil
- seed
- pot
- water
- light
Nick and Hannah are learning how to grow tomatoes.
What do you notice about the stages of the tomato plant?
Press the Possible answer button to find out.
The plant starts as a seed and starts to grow leaves. It grows taller and and taller. The tomatoes change from green to red.
Stretch your thinking!
What do you think would happen if a plant did not get any sunlight or water?
Explore the following image to see the difference between:
- a plant that gets sunlight and water
- a plant that gets little sunlight and lots of water
- a plant that gets no sunlight and no water
Three pots with plants. In the first pot, a stem is growing with the sun shining. In the second pot, a smaller stem is shown with rain falling down. The third pot shows soil with a label that says "soil."
Share your thoughts with someone else, if you can.
Pause and Reflect
Think
Based on what you have learned,
- What kind of materials do you need to grow your own plant?
- Where would you put your plant to help it grow?
Consolidation
Putting it all together
Growing plants helps our Earth because plants give us clean air and food.
There are different ways that we can grow plants. We can grow plants indoors and outdoors, like in the natural soil outside, or using recycled bottles, jars, or containers instead of throwing them away!
Let’s explore what reusing items might look like.
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
If you could grow your own plant, what would you want to grow?
How might you take care of your plant?
Why are plants an important part of our environment?
If possible, share your thoughts with someone.
Let’s grow a plant!
You can try growing your own plant!
If you would like to try this activity, you can use materials that you have in your learning space. Always ask permission from a trusted adult before gathering your materials.
Possible materials
- empty container
- soil
- seeds
- water
- an area that gets sunlight
Investigate
Test your container
Before setting up all of your materials, it’s important to decide which container will work best for your plant.
- Is it big enough to hold your seeds and soil?
- Does the water stay inside, or spill out?
Let’s get started!
Press the tabs to follow each step to learn how.
Step 1: Find a pot.
Step 2: Add soil.
Step 3: Plant the seed.
Step 4: Add water.
Step 5: Put the plant by sunlight.
Step 6: Check the see how dry or wet the soil is over the next few weeks. With the help of a trusted adult, change the amount of water and position of your plant. Every plant is different!
Step 7: Watch your plant grow!
Pause and Reflect
Let’s reflect
- What are 2-3 tips you could you share with a friend on how to grow a plant?
Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Press the button next to the sentence that matches how you feel.
