Jennifer Burns
Shirley Arnberger

TEACHER INFORMATION

1. Academic: The students will categorize the seeds by their characteristics and produce a graph using the seeds they are given. Presentation of the graph will indicate that the students are successful. 
   
2. Social: The students will learn to talk in turn.

   What it sounds like________What it looks like

   -1 person talking at a time. -Eye contact with speaker.

   -Clear, easy to understand. -No disrespectful gestures.

   -No background noise. -Sitting patiently.

Materials:

• bags of assorted seeds (1 for every group)
• glue
• graph worksheet (1 for every group)

Prerequisite Skills: Students will have basic knowledge of what a seed is.

Time Required: 20-30 minutes

Group Size: 3-4

Roles: Gatherer, Reporter, Recorder, Encourager

TEACHING PROCEDURE

Introduction of Topic: Ask the students to define what a seed is and where it comes from.

Development of the Concept:

• Break into groups of 4.
• Review what a seed is and where they come from.
• Discuss and show some of the many types of seeds.
• Cover objectives of the T-chart.
• Using overhead projector, the students will list ideas of how to categorize the seeds.
• Have material gatherer from each group get 1 bag of seeds and glue.
• Recorder from each group will get the worksheet with the graph on it.
• Tell students to choose 4 to 8 ways to classify the seeds on their graph.
• Group seeds accordingly and glue them on the graph.
• Add up how many seeds are in each category and record on graph.
• The reporter of the group will share findings with the class.

Positive Interdependence: Refer to roles.

Individual Accountability:

• Observe how students work as a group.
• Make sure each member is assigned a role and performs the duty.
• Criteria for Success:
• Make sure the graph is done correctly.
• Make sure their categories are valid and appropriate.

Expected Behaviors: Work cooperatively and use teamwork.

Monitoring:

• Mobile observations.
• Mark participation of students on a checklist.

Processing: Have students answer the following questions.

• -What is one thing the group did well together?
• -What improvements could the group make?

Conclusion: After the presentations, the class will draw their own conclusions from the information they have heard.

Evaluation: Evaluate the graphs for accuracy.

EXTENSIONS

1. We will put toothpicks in the sides of an avocado seed and place it in a cup of water (only half submerged) and watch it sprout.

2. We will plant a bean seed in a cup of potting soil and monitor the growth.

RESOURCES