Louisiana Plants
Title: Louisiana Plants
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 3
Overview:
The students will compare and contrast plant structures and functions of plants that are native to Louisiana. The students will visit Black Bayou Lake refuge to view some of the plants that grow in this area.
Approximate Duration: 2 - 60 minute class sessions
Content Standards:
Life Science
The students will become aware of the characteristics and life cycles of organisms and understand their relationships to each other and to their environment.
Benchmarks:
LS-E-A3
locating and comparing major plant and animal structures and their functions; (1,3)
Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs):
Grade 3
36. Compare structures (e.g., roots, leaves, stems, flowers, seeds) and their functions in a variety of plants (LS-E-A3)
Educational Technology Standards:
Use technology tools (e.g., publishing, multimedia tools, and word processing software) for individual and for simple collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities for a variety of audiences.
Objectives:
TLW compare and contrast plant structures.
Lesson Materials and Resources:
Venn diagram template
Pictures of plants and flowers
Technology Tools and Materials:
Hardware:
Computer with Internet connections
Projector
Software:
Microsoft Word
InspirationWebsites:
Black Bayou Lake refuge
http://www.monroe.k12.la.us/mcs/black_bayou_files/index.html
Kids InfoBits
http://www.galenet.com/servlet/KidsInfoBits?locID=lap65mcs
Background Information:
Louisiana is rich with native plants. The magnolia, the state flower, is just one of the numerous varieties of plants that are native to Louisiana. Various plants grow in abundance throughout the state. Black Bayou Refuge is home to a vast number of plants that are native to Louisiana.
Lesson Procedures:
* Note this lesson can be taught before or after a fieldtrip to Black Bayou Refuge. If the field trip is after the lesson, then the teacher should take the students on a virtual field trip to the Black Bayou Lake Project http://www.monroe.k12.la.us/mcs/black_bayou_files/index.html as part of the lesson.Day 1
1. Students will work in pairs for this lesson.
2. Access prior knowledge by using a KWL chart. The teacher will use Inspiration software to guide the students in a discussion about what they know about plant structures and what they want to know about plant structures.
3. Provide pictures of flowers-plants that are native to Louisiana.
4. The students will use Kids InfoBits as a source for information. (The teacher will assist the students with their research using the online resources.) Have students select two plants and research to find information about the plants.
5. Using note cards, students will record their findings.
Day 2
1. The students will go to the computer and open the Venn Diagram template.
2. The students will compare and contrast the two plants selected, using the Venn Diagram. (one from each partner)
3. Allow time for students to present their finished project to the class.
Assessment Procedures:
Venn Diagram will be assessed using a rubric
Completed Venn Diagram
Teacher monitoring
Accommodations/Modifications:
Pair students based on learning styles. Refer to students Individual Education Plan for more accommodations and modifications.
----- written by Zona Pridgett
Reproducible Materials:
Louisiana Plants Rubric
Louisiana Plants Venn Diagram
Explorations and Extensions:
Future lessons will include students researching other plants that are native to Louisiana. Students will also research the region in which the plants are common.
Lesson Development Resources:
GLE-related materials
http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/saa/1914.html
Black Bayou Lake refuge
http://www.monroe.k12.la.us/mcs/black_bayou_files/index.html
Kids InfoBits
http://www.galenet.com/servlet/KidsInfoBits;jsessionid=F7E993894242EA660236C0EF006654E8?locID=lap65mcs
Contact Information:
Zona Pridgett
zona.pridgett@mcs.net
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