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Topic: 3B Helping plants grow
Botanists have discovered a new species of giant self-destructing palm on the island of Madagascar. This giant palm tree grows to great heights then ‘flowers itself to death'. Scientists do not yet understand why the giant palm tree died after flowering.
In this activity children debate possible explanations for why the giant palm died and then what plants really need to grow. Children will plan a fair test to see what plants need to grow and could carry out the investigation.
You will need Acrobat
Reader installed to open the activity sheets.
You will also need the latest version of the flash player to be able to play swf files.
· to ask questions about the growth of plants
Children will demonstrate this by completing the task on page 1 successfully.
· to plan a fair test
Children will demonstrate this by completing the task on page 3 successfully.
· to make predictions
Children will demonstrate this by completing the task on page 3 successfully.
Science:
QCA Unit 3B Helping plants grow well
· that plant growth is affected by temperature
· that plants need leaves to grow well
· that plants need light for healthy growth
· to recognise when a comparison of plant growth is unfair
Scientific enquiry
· ask questions and work out how to find answers to them
· think about what might happen before deciding what to do
· recognise when a test is unfair
· make and record observations and measurements
· make simple comparisons
· try and explain using knowledge and understanding
Literacy
· organizing what to say
· take different views into account
· group discussion and interaction
Introducing the activity
· Read out the story on Page 1 then ask two questions:
- Why do you think the palm tree died?
- Do you think the giant palm tree sacrificed itself for its offspring?
· Display Page 1 of the activity through a data projector or on an OHT to help discuss the questions:
The comic strip shows the story with pictures of the giant palm tree.
The ‘callouts' suggest possible explanations. Read them out and ask the children to agree or disagree. Suggest children can point in different directions to show if they agree or disagree.
Leading the main activity
· Display Page 2 through a data projector or on an OHT. Discuss what the pictures represent. Determine prior knowledge.
- What happens if you don't water a plant?
- What happens to plants and flowers in the garden when it's frosty?
Optional practical activity
Used film canisters are very useful for this activity. Film processing shops are only too happy to provide you with plenty of used film canisters. More details about other possible activities for growing plants can be found on the saps website (http://www-saps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/).
The children can grow seeds in film canisters to compare growing conditions.
· Display Page 3 through a data projector or on an OHT. Print off copies for the children if necessary. Ask the children to decide in which environments the plant would not grow. Why? Do any of these reasons explain why the Madagascan palm died? What do the children think is the most likely explanation? What do the scientists think?
