STEM Gardening Lesson
STEP 1
As you know, we are going to be planting seedlings in our school garden. In order to create seedlings, we need to begin with the process of seed germination. This is where things get complicated. There are so many different ways for the process of germination to take place - from coffee filters to water bottles and everything in between!
Your job is to take what you have learned about the life cycle of a plant and the conditions that are necessary for growing and choose the method you think is best for germination. We will then break into groups based upon your choices and start the process! Use the link below to learn the basics about seed germination.
(Click the “x” on the ad that pops up when the link opens.)
http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/seed-starting-equipment-and-supplies
STEP 2
Ok, now that we have read a general description along with some sample ways to start the process, you need to choose the method you think is most effective. The links below describe multiple options for seed germination. Choose which option you think would be the most effective way to germinate seeds. Remember to base your choices on facts and research, and don’t pick a method because it “looks cool!” (Although some of them really do look cool!)
Milk Jugs
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/grow-plants-milk-jugs.htm
Egg Cartons
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-start-seeds-in-egg-crat-108014
Toilet Paper Roll
http://www.yougrowgirl.com/2007/04/13/toilet-roll-seed-starter/
Newspaper
Yogurt Cups
Water bottles
http://skruben.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-to-self-watering-seed-starter-pots.html
Egg Shells
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-start-seeds-in-eggshell-152795
Coffee Filters
http://www.gardenbetty.com/2013/02/starting-seeds-in-coffee-filters-or-paper-towels/
Whew! That was a lot of reading! You should have made your choice for which way you want to germinate your seeds. As I said before, it needs to be a well-informed decision, so now is your chance to show me that! You are going to write a paragraph describing your choice and provide support (specific reasons) as to why you chose it. This is like a hypothesis in paragraph form! You should use what you have learned from the science text and the various articles you read to support your reasoning. Use phrases such as:
· “As stated in the science book,”
· “The _________ article said,”
· “The author explained,”
· “Since __(insert facts)____,”
· etc.
You may also compare and contrast the other options to support your choice. When you are referring to the specific websites, be sure to use the title of the website so I know exactly what you are referencing.
