UPT


 * Universal Planning Tool **


 * Working Title:** Seed to Plant Development
 * Content Standards:** New Haven Public School Social Studies Curriculum Overview []

//** Inquiry Standards **//
 * 1.3 - Organisms change in form and behavior as part of their life cycles. // Some organisms undergo metamorphosis during their life cycles; other organisms grow and change, but their basic form stays essentially the same. //
 * A INQ.1** Make observations and ask questions about objects, organisms and the environment.
 * A INQ.2** Use senses and simple measuring tools to collect data.
 * A INQ.3** Make predictions based on observed patterns.
 * A INQ.4** Read, write, listen and speak about observations of the natural world.
 * A INQ.5** Seek information in books, magazines and pictures.
 * A INQ.6** Present information in words and drawings.
 * A INQ.7** Use standard tools to measure and describe physical properties such as weight, length and temperature.
 * A INQ.8** Use nonstandard measures to estimate and compare the sizes of objects.
 * A INQ.9** Count, order, and sort objects by their properties.
 * A INQ.10** Represent information in bar graphs.
 * Information Literacy/ Inquiry Standards/ 21st c. Skills:** (from AASL)

Students will:
 * 1.1.1 Follow an inquiry- based process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects, and make the real- world connection for using this process in own life.
 * 1.1.2 Use prior and background knowledge as context for new learning.
 * 1.1.6 Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format (e.g., textual, visual, media, digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning.
 * 1.1.4 Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions.
 * 1.3.4 Contribute to the exchange of ideas within the learning community
 * 2.1.2 Organize knowledge so that it is useful.
 * 2.1.5 Collaborate with others to exchange ideas, develop new understandings, make decisions, and solve problems.
 * 2.3.1 Connect understanding to the real world.
 * 3.1.4 Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways that others can view, use, and assess.
 * 3.2.3 Demonstrate teamwork by working productively with others.
 * 3.3.4 Create products that apply to authentic, real-world contexts.


 * Purpose:**
 * Students will research plants that grow well in Connecticut
 * Students will compare seed growth
 * Students will summarize various ways plants reproduce (tubers),
 * Students will create a VoiceThread highlighting seed development

Do all seeds and plants reproduce and develop in the same manner?
 * Essential Question connecting content and purpose: **


 * Work Habits: **
 * Working collaboratively
 * Thinking Critically
 * Attending to details and accuracy

Students will:
 * Thinking skills: **
 * Identify and label seed parts. They will then determine other means for plant reproduction (tubers, roots, cuttings)
 * Categorize and list seed types


 * Formats of Products and/or Performances: **
 * Journal entries with detailed, labeled sketch of seed parts and written description of seed and plant part development
 * VoiceThread presenting photos of seed development

Second grade students in New Haven, Connecticut
 * Audience: **


 * Role of learner in task: **
 * Farmer
 * Scientist


 * Instructional arrangement: **
 * individual for research and journaling
 * small group for research, comparing information and designing VoiceThread
 * whole class for sharing VoiceThread


 * Technology or resources suggested:**

[] A great source describing how to find, sort and dry seeds from kidsgardening.com [] Garden journal blackline master [] Outlines planning a garden [] Plant and seed basics at second grade reading level [] Explains the difference between monocot and dicot seeds [] Explains germination

LMS:
 * Collaborative teaching roles and responsibilities:**
 * Provide resources
 * Access to printed material
 * Computer access
 * Access to digital cameras
 * Provide instruction on creating a VoiceThread

Classroom Teacher:
 * Introduction to seeds and other ways plants reproduce
 * Teach notetaking at three levels
 * Gather materials needed (seeds, plant parts, zip-lock bags)

Students will utilize classroom time to research printed material to learn about plant parts and seed development. Students will place seeds and wet paper towels in a zip-lock bag to observe seed development. Plant parts will also be planted to observe their growth. Students will log their observations every few days.
 * Timeline:**

The Library Media center will be utilized for instruction on and creating a VoiceThread and will also be used by all groups to access electronic resources. The inside planting of the seeds and plant parts will be observed for 4-6 weeks. An extension to this unit may include outside plantings in the garden will be observed until fully mature