You’re Invited to a Plant Party!

Please come to my WebQuest to learn more about Science SOL 4.4. You will investigate and understand basic plant and flower anatomy. You will learn about the structure of typical plants (leaves, stems, and roots), and flowers (stamen, anther, pistil, sepal, stigma, ovary, ovuole, and seed).

DESIGNED BY:

Kim Ramsey

INTRODUCTION:

We are having a plant party! Your job is to complete the following tasks in order to prepare for this “party.” In Science class, we have been learning about different types of plants, their various parts, how they reproduce and grow, and the process of photosynthesis. These tasks will help you review some of these concepts while having fun planning the plant party!

THE TASK:

You are planning a party which requires a lot of organization, research, and preparation! Your “guests” will include a diagram of a flower illustrating the parts. The “menu” will include a variety of plant parts which are edible. The “activity” will involve a Science Station with a hands-on experiment. The “party favor” will be a decorated clay pot with seeds planted in it! Hope your Plant Party is a success!

THE PROCESS:

Activity #1

Review the parts of a flower at the following website,

Create a diagram (“guests”) illustrating these parts of a flower: stamen, anther, pistil, sepal, stigma, ovary, ovuole, roots, stems, leaves, and seed. Label each part and explain the function of each. This poster will be graded on creativity, neatness, correctness, and knowledge of each part.

Activity #2

Review the edible parts of a plant at the following website,

Research and plan a “menu” for the party. Type a delicious menu which includes only roots, leaves, and flowers. Draw a picture or print from clipart each item on the menu and label each part of the plant. For example, carrot sticks = roots. This menu will be graded on creativity, neatness, correctness, and variety of foods.

Activity #3

Plants are made up of many parts that work together. Each part helps the plant survive. They also need air, water, energy from the sun, and soil. The leaves are the main food-making part of the plant. Do you remember how plants make food? Please review this website, (click on “Illuminating Photosynthesis”)

Then go to the Science Station to conduct an experiment with the teacher called, Photosynthesis Versus Respiration. This is an informal assessment and will be graded on knowledge of the Scientific Method and discussions.

Activity #4

As a culminating project and a “party favor,” use the permanent markers to decorate a clay pot. Then use the shovel to fill the pot half full of soil. Next, take your thumb and make a dent in the middle of the soil. Finally, plant the flower seeds, cover with more soil, and water. For extra credit, keep a plant journal with pictures of growth and observations for the next 10 to 14 days.

RESOURCES:

EVALUATION:

Rubrics are attached.

CONCLUSION:

Upon completion of this WebQuest, the students will understand the structures of the basic plant and flower anatomy. They will be introduced to the process of photosynthesis and respiration. Finally, they will understand what a plant needs to survive and why they are necessary.

CREDITS & REFERENCES:

Grade Four, Science Standards of Learning, Curriculum Framework, Henrico County Public Schools, June, 2005.

McGraw-Hill Science Teacher’s Edition – Grade 4

Based on a template from the WebQuest Page. Updated Spring 2006