3rd Grade Plants Unit

3^rd Grade Plants Unit Blueprint

Lesson 7: Observing the Growth Spurt

STC Plant Growth and Development

Pacing Suggestions:
See page 4 in Teacher's Guide for a schedule of Lessons.

Teacher Resources:

Tips

Essential & Unit Questions ¹

Benchmarks ²

Assessments ³

Using Assessments to Monitor Student Learning

What is the pattern of growth of your plants?

11C(3-5)#2: Things change in steady, repetitive, or irregular ways—or sometimes in more than one way at the same time. Often the best way to tell which kinds of change are happening is to make a table or graph of the measurements.

11B(3-5)#2: Geometric figures, number sequences, graphs, diagrams, sketches, number lines, maps, and stories can be used to represent objects, events and processes in the real world, although such representations can never be exact in every detail.

12D(3-5)#3: Use numerical data in describing and comparing objects and events.

12C(3-5)#3: Keep a notebook that describes observations made, carefully distinguishes actual observations from ideas and speculations about what was observed, and is understandable weeks or months later.

On-going plant observations, measurements, and Plant Growth Graph, which was started in Lesson 5

Class discussion of plant growth data (See Final Activities on page 47 in Teacher's Guide.)

Measuring Plants

Are students able to accurately measure the height of their plant? Are their measurement skills improving over time?

Are students able to use the plant height data to make reasonable predictions about future plant growth?

Are students making clear, descriptive observations of their plant?

Are students dating their entries?

Graph

Are students able to graph the height of the plant?
Are their graphing skills improving over time? (Students should be able to graph data with minimal to no teacher support.)

Class Discussion of Data

Are students able to use data to support their comments about the time and length of the growth spurt?
Do students recognize the value of a graph in illustrating patterns of growth?
Are students able to correctly read their graph?

1. For conceptual benchmarks.
2. Bolded sections indicate portion of benchmark addressed
3. Unless noted as a Summative Assessment, the assessments are formative and should be used to guide teaching and learning.

3rd Grade Plants Unit Blueprint

3^rd Grade Plants Unit Blueprint