1. 3rd Grade: Plants

2. Big Ideas:
Students will understand that . . . .
 that plants have special parts that perform special
functions in order for the plant to survive.
(roots, leaves, stems, flowers).
 plants grow and survive by a combination of environmental
conditions. For example, drought conditions will tend to
diminish plant health and growth.
 the distinct stages of the life cycle of seed plants
(seed, germination, seedling, adult).
 different soils possess different textures and capacities for
the retention of water and nutrients.
 soil consists of different components. that these
characteristics of soil influence the growth and survival of
plants.

3. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
 What are the major parts of a plant? What are the
purposes and functions of these parts?
 How does environment affect plants? What parts of
the environment effect plants?
 What is the life cycle of a plant?
 Why does a plant need soil?

4. Essential Standard and Clarifying
Objectives
 3.L.2 Understand how plants survive in their environments.
 3.L.2.1 Remember the function of the following plant structures
as it relates to the survival of plants in their environments:
 • • • •
 Roots – absorb nutrients Stems – provide support Leaves –
synthesize food Flowers – attract pollinators and produce seeds
for reproduction.
 3.L.2.2 Explain how environmental conditions determine how
well plants survive and grow. 3.L.2.3 Summarize the distinct
stages of the life cycle of seed plants. 3.L.2.4 Explain how the
basic properties (texture and capacity to hold water) and
components (sand, clay and humus) of soil determine the ability
of soil to support the growth and survival of many plants.

5. What are the major parts of a plant? What are the purposes and functions of
these parts? Key Content: Roots, Stems, and Leaves all have important
functions. Roots Absorb nutrients. Stems support leaves. Leaves take in air
(CO2) and sunlight.
 Lesson 1 “Leaves”:
 Lesson 2 “Roots”:Reading: “What do Roots do?” (Have
carrots for snack)
 Lesson 3 “Stem”:Experiment: children will make
predictions and record changes. Place food coloring in
cups of water and place celery in the colored water.
This shows how water and minerals travel through
xylem up the stem. (Assessment: label plant parts and
functions)

6. Lesson 3 Assessment:
 Students will Draw and label a tree/plant and write a sentence to explain the use of each part.
3 labels with 3 correct sentences = 6/6. Every label counts as 1 and every correct sentence counts
as 1.
 Student draws roots and labels the roots
 Student describes roots as absorbing nutrients.
 Student draws and labels leaves.
 Student describes leaves as taking sun and/or air.
 Student draws a stem and labels it.
 Student describes stem as a (“highway”) transportation system between roots and leaves and/or
as a support for the leaves.

7. What is the life cycle of a plant?
Key Content: Every plant goes
through stages.
 Lesson 4 “Life Cycle”:(Assessment: Apple Experiment)
 http://photopeach.com/album/wlkiws

8. Why does a plant need soil?
(3.L.2.4) Soil holds water and
nutrients. There are different types
of soil.
 Lesson 5 “Soil”: Making edible soil
 Pudding, jellybeans, cookies, chocolate bars, pure
sugar, angle food cake (different textures can represent
different layers of soil)

9. How does environment affect plants? What parts of the
environment effect plants? Key Content: All plants need
air, water, sun and minerals/nutrients; but the amounts of each
necessity may vary dramatically.
 Lesson 6 “Individual Plants”:
 (Assessment: Research Project)
 Eat “popped corn” seeds while watching Magic school
bus -“Gets Planted”

10. Lesson 6 Assessment:
 100%-Students clearly answer all 9 of the questions and present the
information to the class in a clear manner.
 90%-Students answer at least 6 of the questions and presented the all
information found in a clear manner.
 80%-Students answer at least 6 of the questions and present at least
one piece of information clearly.
 70%-Students answer at least 4 of the questions and present at least
one piece of information clearly.
 50%-Students answer at least 1 question.