This document outlines a 4-week project for a 3rd grade science class on the life cycle of plants. Students will be divided into groups of 4 and each group will grow a plant to observe the different stages of growth. They will track their observations on a KWLH chart. The project aims to teach students about what plants need to survive, how energy from the sun is used, and plant classification. By the end of the project, students will present their findings and display their plants at a greenhouse field trip. The teacher's role is to assess student and group work throughout.

1. Life Cycle of
Plants
Miss Edward’s 3rd Grade
Science class

2. Curriculum Framing Questions
 Students will be asked essential, unit, and
context questions throughout the project.
Essential question: Questions that are used to engage
students.
Unit question: Questions that are used to connect a unit or
project.
Context question: Questions that are fact based.

3. Essential Question
 Is there a connection in what plants live
off to what we need to survive?

4. Unit Question
 How are plants important?

5. Context Question
 What 3 things do plants live off of?

6. Unit Summary
 Our upcoming project is “The life cycle of a
plant.” This project will be worked on over a
period of 4 weeks. Students will be divided in
to groups of 4 and will be required to work
together with their group as well as work
individual on the projects. Over this period of
time each group is to grow a plant and
watch the different stages plants go through
and what they need to survive. To wrap up
the project we will take a field trip to a green
house and the students will put their plants on
display.

7. Unit Roles
Student Roles
- Work together in
groups
- Grow plants
- Keep track of a
KWLH chart
- Note facts that
appear throughout
the project
- Assess other group
members
- Success
Teacher Roles
- Keep track of groups
progress
- Assess each group
and individual based
on groups
assessments
- Meet with groups to
discuss any issues
and progression
throughout the
project.
- Be available to
parents and students
for any questions and
concerns that may
come up
Parent Roles
- Encourage students
to do their best and
work hard on project.
- Volunteer
- Voice questions and
concerns

8. Benefits of this unit:
 Learn to work in groups.
 Learn to complete a KWLH chart
 Learn the cycle and stages of plants.
 Develop problem solving skills.
 Develop presentation skills and speaking
skills.

9. Alabama Learning Exchange
Standards and Objectives
Standards
Science (2005) Grade 3
- Describe the life cycle of
plants, including seed,
seed germination, growth,
and reproduction.
- Describe ways energy
from the sun is used.
Objectives
Science (2005) Grade 3
- Describe how plants
occupy space, and use
light, nutrients, water, and
air.
- Classifying plants
according to their
features.
- Plant growth, light, heat

10. Project Based Learning
 Project based learning is a hands on way
for students to engage and learn about
the materials and topics being covered in
classes from elementary schools to high
schools. It allows the students to interact
with each other and use their knowledge
and skills to learn. PBL builds 21st century
skills and communication skills. It allows
students to work individually and in groups
to make decisions.

11. Contact Information
Please feel free to contact me if you or your
child has any questions or concerns about this
unit before or as the unit progresses. You can
contact me through e-mail, phone, or set up a
time during the week to meet with me during
my planning period. I will try my hardest to
respond to your e-mail or phone call within 24
hours.
Planning period: M-F 11-11:50
Phone: (256) 283-1882
Email: tbedwards13@gmail.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tbedwards1