Assure Lesson Plan #1

Title: Measuring Plant Growth

Grade Level: Second Grade

Subject: Science

Teacher: Natasha Palomo

Analyze Learners

- General Characteristics

o 20 students

o Ages: 7yrs-8yrs

o 12 females/8 males

o Mental, Social, Physical, Social notes:

- Disabilities: none

- Learning Differences: High and Low achievers

- Cultural Ethnic Notes: Multicultural [most are islanders]

o Learning Styles:

- Visual

- Audio

- Kinesthetic

- Specific entry competencies

o Students have prior lessons on soil.

o Students have planted the seeds for this lesson a week prior in a previous lesson.

o They are knowledgeable in letters, numbers, and common words that will be used in the lesson.

o They understand the basics of the computer, mouse, keyboard, and monitor. They have previously used Microsoft Word to create sentences.

State Objectives

- Students will:

o Record their findings of the seed growth weekly.

o Input the weekly seed growth data into a spreadsheet on Microsoft Excel.

o Create a chart using the spreadsheet.

o Discuss the charts they created.

Select instructional methods, media, and materials

- Method

o Individual learning

o Group learning

- Media

o Computer

o Microsoft Excel

o Printer

- Materials

o Planted seeds in different soils

o Ruler

o Data collection handout

o pencils

Utilize Media and Materials

- Preview materials

o Check computers to ensure that they are all working and have Microsoft excel.

- Prepare materials

o Ensure that the planted seeds are unharmed.

- Prepare environment

o Reserve the computer lab for days the students will be working on their spreadsheets.

- Prepare learners

o Explain briefly what they will be doing

o Review the rules of the activity

o Explain the rules of the computer lab

Require Learner Participation

o Begin the lesson by reviewing the previous lesson when they planted the seeds.

o Have the students get into their groups and bring their planted seeds to their tables.

o Pass out the paper for data collection.

o On the same day each week, have the students measure and record the plant growth (in centimeters) with their rulers for each of the plants. Remind the students that each member of the group must have their own set of data. Below is an example of a completed set of data.

Amount of Plant Growth (cm)

	Clay Soil	Sandy Soil	Red Soil	Potting Soil
Week 1	0.3	0	0.7	1
Week 2	0.5	0	1.5	3
Week 3	0.7	0.1	3	6
Week 4	1	0.2	5.5	9

o After having the students measure the plant growth for four weeks, the students will then go to the computer lab.

o Have the students find the computer they regularly use and open Microsoft Excel.

o To make the spreadsheet, have them write in the second row, first column (A2) “Week 1”. Have them do this for the rest of the weeks in A3, A4, and A5.

o Then, have them write in the first row, second column (B1) “Clay Soil”. Have them do this for the rest of the soils in C1, D1, and E1.

o Have the students fill in the chart exactly as it appears in the data collection handout.

o To make the chart, have the students click and hold on A1 and drag the mouse to E5. The entire chart should be highlighted.

o Then, click on “Insert” on the Menu bar and under “Charts” should be a “Column” chart. Click on it.

o Be sure that the students label the x and y axis as well as provide a title. The chart should look like the one below.

o Have the students put their name in A7 and the date in A8. Print the page.

- Ask students:

o What does the graph tell us?

o In which soil did the plant grow the tallest? the shortest?

o In which soil did the plant grow the fastest? the slowest? How do you know?

o Why do you think the plant did not grow as tall in the sandy soil?

o Why do you think the plat grew tall in the potting soil?

o Do you think adding fertilizer would make a difference in the growth of the plants? Why?

o If you wanted to start a garden, which soil would you choose to grow your plants in? Why?

Evaluate and Revise

- Assessment of Student Performance

o Did the students record their findings weekly on the provided data collection handout?

o Did the students correctly input their data into a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel?

o Did the students correctly create a chart from their spreadsheet?

o Were the students able to discuss the chart they created when asked about it?