Topic: Plant Growth and an example prompt might be.
“What do plants need to grow strong and healthy?” Have a little potted plant. Encourage students to ask questions related to the topic. You can facilitate a class discussion to brainstorm these question; What happens to a plant if it doesn’t get enough sunlight? How does the type of soil affect plant growth?
Can plants grow without water?
Set up a small garden in the classroom with different conditions: one plant with sunlight, one without, one with regular watering, and one without.
Read books or watch videos about plant growth and photosynthesis.
Use magnifying glasses to observe plants’ parts, like leaves and roots, in detail.
Investigation
Allow students to conduct experiments/investigations based on their questions. Experiment: Have students plant seeds in different soil types (sand, clay, garden soil) and monitor their growth.
Hypothesis: Each group can develop a hypothesis about which soil will produce the healthiest plants.
Procedure: Students will water the plants equally and place them in the same light conditions to control variables.
Data
Students collect data during their investigations. They can record their findings in charts, graphs, or journals. Measure and record plant height every few days,
observe leaf colour and number of leaves weekly, take photos.
Have students reflect on their findings and the process. Encourage them to think about what they learned and how it relates to their initial questions.