Genius Plants
A Classrooms Unleashed Program
for Second Grade Students
How do plants survive and spread their seeds? This unit focuses on the structures of plants, seeds, and the many different seed dispersal methods. In addition to a field study at nearby nature area, we provide hands-on lessons that support the Genius Plants curriculum.
All of our lessons are backward designed from Next Generation Science Standards for second grade. In addition to the Sierra Nevada Journeys-led lessons, classroom teachers will be provided with 3-4 easy-to-use learning experiences to reinforce concepts and vocabulary, as well as pre- and post-assessments.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
classroom lesson: PARTS AND THEIR PURPOSE
Students become botanists, exploring the plants in their schoolyard and observing the different parts of each and their purpose.
Your botanists will learn about the different seed dispersal methods by observing different seeds and experimenting with different ways to make them move.
outdoors at a local nature area: BOTANISTS IN THE FIELD
Students explore a local nature area focusing on the plants, their structures, and the many different seed dispersal methods they use. Your botanists will learn to make observations with a hand lens, make a scientific drawing, experiment with different seeds to determine how they help plants reproduce, and design and “build” a seed that can be dispersed by attaching to animals’ fur.
FIELD TRIP LOCATIONS
Camp Pollock, Sacramento, CA
Crystal Peak Park, Reno, NV
River Fork Ranch Preserve, Minden, NV (for Caron and Douglas Counties)
TEACHER INFORMATION
NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS
PE: K-2-ETS1-1: Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
PE: K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
PE: 1-LS1-1: Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
DCI: LS1.D: Information Processing
California partnership with:
