In a multi-grade classroom it's hard to do all the learning outcomes for ALL the grades. I usually try to rotate science lessons so that the kids aren't repeating lessons every year and they are very lucky they get to do learning outcomes from other grades. I did a HUGE plant unit last year and so I didn't want to make a big emphasis on plants this year. Instead, I decided to do a field guide of local plants around Big White. Boy-oh-boy I didn't expect it to be so hard but we are VERY lucky and have a parent who is able to share his wealth of plants information with us. There is no way I could've done this unit without his help! Now that I have completed the research aspect I am thoroughly enjoying our plant adventures.
We did our first lesson today. First, the kids went on an adventure and located most of the plants that Pete and Kim had ribboned off. We then looked at one plant and used plant cards to identify which plant it is. As a class, we described the plant (using all of our senses). Then, the students each had a board, a paper, and a fine tip marker (no pencils) to draw a detailed picture of the plant.
Here the students are sitting drawing the plant we discovered.
Then, I made a field guide for us to use when we go on our own adventure.
Here the students are sitting drawing the plant we discovered.
The students loved all the different colours the plant had at this time of year. The plant had lots of browns, purples, pinks, reds and greens.
Here is all the different variations we came up with of the Fireweed plant. The students realized that we all see something differently when we are drawing.
Then we had one student press the flower and take real photos of the plant.
This is what the page looks like from a distance. We have in total nine plants to discover. We are going to have one amazing field guide when we are done this unit!
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