Tag Archives: chlorophyll

2022 Vol 3: Understanding the Science of Light

 “Plants – Having a Light Lunch”: Understanding the Science of Light

Karyn Hays, 3rd Grade, Davidson K-8 School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

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Synopsis: This curriculum unit provides appropriate level background knowledge for a Third Grade teacher to facilitate students as they explore the ‘big idea’ of “How do plants respond to light?” Students will explore our biggest source of light energy, the sun and some of the properties of light energy in a series of labs. The outcome of this unit is to help students identify and explain the basic properties of solar energy and how it can be used by plants and humans. Students will observe changes in different materials as they interact with light and discuss their observations with their peers and the class in a seminar style discussion. They will learn how light energy is a beam that can be transferred from the sun to a collector – such as a plant. Students will also explore how light can be collected from different angles and study cause and effect scenarios to note differences in how matter will respond to light. Students will experiment with how a solar panel collects light and uses it for energy. Finally, they will use the data and observations collected in the labs to draw conclusions about how the sun’s light can be used for energy. 

2022 Vol 6: Carolina Cuisine: History and Science of Food

From Academic to Practical: Application of Academic Knowledge of Plants to Practicing Horticulture and Preparing Food

Zachary Sanford, Exceptional Children, Hough High School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

Click on the arrow to read the Synopsis.

Synopsis: This focus of this unit is to teach students with intellectual disabilities about plants, the different types of plants, plant reproduction, the different types of plant propagation, and how to turn plants that are grown into food. This unit will provide a completed adapted chapter and worksheets. The unit will begin with an introduction to to plants, plant cells, and different types of plants. The students will compare and contrast plant and animal cells, the different types of plants, and how the different plants reproduce. The second lesson will focus on applying the knowledge of plants to the process of horticulture and growing. The students will study the different plant reproduction and apply the knowledge to growing different plants in a small garden. The students will determine the best soil and methods for the plants grown, The final lesson will cover the practical application of growing plants as a vocation. This section/lesson will involve trips to different greenhouses and visiting different growers to learn about growing a cultivation as a job. This section will be hands on. The students will grow different plants and create different dishes with the plants. The lessons will involve hands-on experiences as well as adapted assessments and worksheets. 

2018 Curriculum Units Vol 1: The Art and Chemistry of Light

Natural Light, Artificial Light, and Pollution: Effects on Evolution, Behavior, and Photosynthesis

Zachary Sanford, Science, William A. Hough High School

Curriculum Unit (pdf)

Synopsis

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2013 Curriculum Units Vol 2: The Nature of Energy: How We Use and Store it to Power Our Everyday Lives

Artificial Photosynthesis: Mimicking Plants to Produce the Fuel of the Future

Trista Hartman, Biology, Providence High School

Final Unit (PDF)     Implementing Common Core Standards (PDF)

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