Lesson 1:  The Secret Inside a Seed

Subjects:  Language Arts, Science

Learner Outcomes:

• The student will investigate the inside of a seed.
• The student will identify the embryo and seed coat of a lima bean seed.
• The student will make predictions.
• The student will follow a recipe.

Materials:

• Book, How A Seed Grows by Helene J. Jordan
• Internet site All About Plants
• Lima bean seeds
• Ingredients for toasted pumpkin seeds
• Electric frying pan

Teacher Notes:
To prepare toasted pumpkin seeds, parent volunteers may be needed to assist
small groups.

Procedures:
1.  Read and discuss the book, How A Seed Grows by Helene J. Jordan.
2.  Read and discuss information from Internet site All About Plants.
3.  Give students several lima bean seeds to soak in water overnight.
     Use the digital camera to take pictures of the dry lima beans.
4.  Students will illustrate their predictions of what will happen to the soaked
     seeds to indicate their understanding of the secret inside of the seed.
     (See attachment 1a)
5.  Prepare toasted pumpkin seeds:
    a.  Scoop seeds from a large pumpkin.  Rinse.
    b.  Heat 1/4 cup of oil in an electric skillet.
    c.  Spread seeds in skillet until toasted brown.
     d.  Drain seeds on paper towels.
    e.  Sprinkle with salt and enjoy!
6.  Take a tour through your school's butterfly garden or take a virtual tour
     through ours.

Modifications:
Teacher should determine specific needs of students as indicated on
Individualized Education Plan.

Enrichment Activities:
Search Internet for additional sites on plants and seeds
View "The Magic Schoolbus Goes to Seed" Video by Scholastic Inc.
Read library or class books about plants and seeds
    Pumpkin, Pumpkin by Jeanne Titherington
   The Pumpkin Patch by Patricia Miles Martin
   The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

Evaluation/Assessment:
Oral discussion

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:
Language Arts
    Listening/Speaking  1.1, 1.3, 1.8, 1.15, 2.5, 2.6, 2.8, 2.10, 3.2, 3.8, 3.9
    Reading Comprehension  1.21, 1.44, 2.19, 2.20, 2.21, 2.22, 2.39, 3.15, 3.28
    Computer/Technology  1.112, 1.113, 2.122, 3.83
Science
    Nature of Science 1.6
    Scientific Processes/Thinking Skills  1.17, 1.23
    Laboratory Investigations/Hands-On Learning  1.24, 2.22, 2.23, 2.24, 3.28
    Science Themes and Subject Matter  1.33, 1.34, 2.25, 2.29, 2.32, 3.31
    Computer/Technology  1.17, 1.72, 2.65, 2.67, 3.82

National Standards:
Goals 3 & 5

References:
How A Seed Grows by Helene J. Jordan
Internet site - All About Plants
Book Cooks by Creative Teaching Press, Inc.
Virtual tour of Lubeck School's Butterfly Garden
Web Collection CD Set from ROM-MAN Technologies'

Created by:
Anna Deem
Leanne Hoselton
Kathy Lowers

Lubeck Elementary School, Parkersburg, WV