In this lesson students will explore seeds and learn that each one contains all the information necessary to grow into healthy, thriving vegetables.

Learning will happen through a skit that relates common items such as a coat, a snack, and a hat to the structure and function of different seed components. Students will then dissect a variety of soaked seeds to understand that all seeds have these parts and therefore all seeds have the possibility to become a plant.

Syllabus

Lesson Grades Resources Standards
Seed Skit K-4 Riddle, Discussion, Activity NGSS K-LS1-1 
NGSS 2-PS1-1 
NGSS 4-LS1-1 
Seed Dissection K-4 Activity NGSS K-LS1-1 
NGSS 2-PS1-1 
NGSS 4-LS1-1 
Extension Activities   Links  

Video

Connecting CCCs and SEPs

  • Why are the cotyledons a necessary structure for a germinated seed to have before the true leaves emerge? Can the cotyledons photosynthesize? (Structure and Function; Construct Explanations and Design Solutions)
  • What is already known about the relationship between seed structure and function in growing into a plant? How can I best communicate about this relationship between structure and function? (Structure and Function; Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information)
  • Do you notice any patterns between different seeds? Are there any similar structures? Why might different seeds have the same internal structures? (Patterns; Asking Questions and Defining Problems)
  • What is the cause of germination? (Cause and Effect; Asking Questions and Defining Problems)

Citations

Thank you One Cool Earth!

The lessons and resources for this topic have been adapted from the Earth Genius curriculum developed by One Cool Earth, a California 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to bringing garden education to students.

What’s next?