Do Plants need Sunlight??
Integrated Engineering Lesson
2nd Grade
I think we all know that plants need sunlight to grow right? But really how important is the sunlight to the plants? While a lot of plants grow happily underneath warm, sunny skies, the light of the sun might not be necessary for growth and health. Do you think you could grow a plant in darkness? Also we a plant is in the sun, then does it need water to grow? We are going to try out this simple and fun experiment to find out how important or unimportant light and water are to a plant.
Learning Objectives
- TSWB able to fully understand the importance of sunlight and water are to plants.
- TSWB able to determine if plants need, or don't need sunlight water and sunlight.
Next Generation Science Standards
2-LS2-1. Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow.
LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
Plants depend on water and light to grow. (2-LS2-1)
What is the Problem?
Do plants need light and water to grow?
Gather Information - What has been done to solve the problem? What science concepts are in effect here?
- Where are most plants/crops grown?
Things to remember:
- Sunlight
- water
- soil
Imagine - What are the constraints and criteria? What are many ideas that could solve this problem?
Ask the students where food such and fruits and vegetables come from?
Brainstorm ideas such as:
- fields/crops, greenhouses, etc.
- Need of water.. how much?
Plan - Select a best design that meets the constraints and criteria.
Students will plan how much soil, water and sunlight each plan will need.
Plant and label the experiment cups
Gather the following materials:
Six bean seeds
Six pots
Plant sprayer
Potting soil
Shelf
Cupboard
Ruler
Notebook
Pencil
Grow light (optional)
Create - Make the prototype and test it
- Students will continue to water one plant in sunlight and one in the cupboard and leave one in both spaces with no water.
- Students will continually check on progress and document the results in a notebook.
Improvement
Which plants grew best? And what location did they grow best in?
What needs to be changed overall?
Communication/Presentation
Have a class discussion on details for what will be the best solution to plant growth.
- Less water, more sunlight, etc.
- Come up with a final solution.
Photosynthesis in plants Animation for Kids