Urban Gardening; Part II: Growing Plants from Seeds

This is the second lesson in the series of lessons comparing how garden growing techniques determine plant growth/production. In this lesson, students will research the best types of plants to grow based on their location. They will then create 3 separate indoor seed starting containers which will lead into Lesson 3 in which they will compare indoor container planting with a hydroponics grow system. This lesson is best taught over 2 class periods.

Materials:
Who Can? You Can! Maker Comics; Grow a Garden by Alexis Frederick-Frost
pp.30 -70
Science journals
Pencils
Chart paper
Whiteboards & markers
Recycled plastic containers such as yogurt containers or plastic cups
Recycled tin cans
Measuring cups (1/8, 1/4, 1/3, ½, 1)
Newspaper
Tape
Resealable plastic sandwich bags
Paper towel
Seeds
Seedling mix potting soil
Trays with holes for draining
Trays without holes to place underneath
Plant shelf with grow lights

Agenda:
Activate prior knowledge (5-10 Minutes)
Journal: Life Cycle of a Plant
Lesson Opening: (15 – 20 minutes)
4 Corners
Vocabulary Preview
What are the Best Seeds to Grow in a Small Area? (10 - 15 minutes)
Maker Comics; Grow a Garden pp 30 - 36
What seeds grow best in Arizona? (30 - 45 Min)
Maker Comics; Grow a Garden pp 37 – 47
Internet search

Culminating Activity: Starting seeds indoors (45 - 60 Minutes)
Maker Comics; Grow a Garden pp 48 – 56
Engineer seed starting pots
Measure soil & plant seeds pp. 59 - 70
Bean in a bag
Lesson Closure (15 - 20 minutes)
Vocabulary Review
Assessment: AEIOU lesson reflection