Subjects: Science
                   Language Arts/Reading
                   Math

Learner Outcomes:
The students will identify the roots of various plants.
The students will identify some uses of roots.
The students will identify the function of roots.

Duration of Lesson: 30 minutes

Materials: book "Rosie Plants a Radish",  by Kate Perry, rulers, computer disks and the following vegetables:  carrot, radish, potato, yam, chart paper, markers

Technology Tools:  computer, internet access, data projector, Microsoft PowerPoint, printer

Teacher Notes:
     * Prepare "All Around Plants" journals ahead of time. Use template to make copies for front cover, staple 10 sheets of paper and add a back cover.  Children can decorate tree and write their names.
    * Collect books on plants for independent reading in the classroom.
    * Have parent permission signed for internet use (Policy 2460).
    * Check health cards for allergies.
    * Tell children that many plants can be poisonous.

Procedures:
    1).  Begin the lesson by reading the book "Rosie Plants a Radish" by Kate Petty to the class.  Discuss the book and check comprehension by asking questions about the story.  Talk about the radish in the story and explain that a radish is actually the root of the plant. Technically it is a tuber, but "root " is easier to understand. Brainstorm what the children think roots do for a plant. Record on chart paper.

    2).  Show PowerPoint presentation "Rooting Around" to help students understand the role of roots and how we use them.  Presentation advances on mouse click.

    3).  "Compare the roots" worksheet activity.
            a).  Set up four stations in your classroom.  Each station will have one root.  One station for the carrot, one for the yam, one for the radish, and one for the potato.  Each station should also have a ruler.
            b).  Divide the class into small groups.  Designate one person in the group to be the recorder (the one with the pencil and worksheet).  The students will go to each station and complete the chart on the worksheet.
            c).  For each root, the students will write the color of the root, measure and record its length, rank it from 1st to 4th according to weight (explain to them that this will require more than one stop at each station), and decide how many in the group would eat the root and how many would not eat the root.
            d).  You may need to demonstrate how to fill out the chart before letting them go off on their own.
            e).  After the students have acquired the information, discuss their findings with them.
            f).  Have each group tell you the results of the question "Would you eat it?".  You may calculate the results to show how they, as a class, feel about eating each type of root.

    4).  Journal Entry - Have the students draw a root.  This root can be any type of root.  They should write at least two things they know about roots.

Modifications: Modifications should be made based on the student's Individualized Education Plan, 504 Plan or student needs.

Enrichment Activities:
    1).  The seeds from the book "Rosie Plants a Radish" can be planted and the students can watch each day (or week) and write how the the plant changes.  Be sure the students have the opportunity to observe the roots as they form.  The plant may be pulled from the dirt periodically to observe the roots.  Leave one plant aside as it grows that will not be disturbed (this will be the one that will hopefully grow into a mature radish).

    2).  A measuring scale can be used during the "Compare the Roots" activity.

Evaluation/Assessment:
  observation of class participation, worksheet, journal entry

West Virginia IGO's:
   Science: 1.3, 1.9, 1.17, 1.19, 1.21, 1.30, 1.34
        Reading/Language Arts: 1.1, 1.3, 1.7, 1.8, 1.14, 1.21, 1.41
        Math: 1.19, 1.35, 1.42

National Standards:
  Science
   1). Understands the structure and function of cells and organisms.
   Language Arts
        1). Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of literary texts.
        2). Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes.
        3). Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media.
    Math
        1). Understands and applies basic and advanced properties of the concepts of measurement.

References:
    "Rosie Plants a Radish" by Kate Petty, Published by: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 1998
     In Search of Green Life
    Enchanted Learning-
    Tons of nature activities on Naturely.com
 
 
 

Overview	Lesson 1	Lesson 2	Lesson 3	Lesson 4	Lesson 5
Plants Around Us	Rootin' Around	What's Holding You Up?	Leaf Me Alone!	Flower Power	What's in the Bag?

Created By:

Lesli Harvath Carol June Debra Rockey

Jefferson Primary School 1098 Jefferson Street Follansbee,WV 26037