For specific ojectives and a simple scoring rubric click here. The cooperative grouping concept can now be expanded to include students in other schools, states, or even countries. In the first phase of the unit working in teams the students identify variables and set up experimental plans. In the second phase students execute their team experiments and collect data. During the ensuing weeks, they observe the plants and record their data.
Students have the opportunity to observe each stage in the life cycle of a simple plant.
Later, they thin and transplant seedlings. As they watch the plant growth the unit expands to focus on the interdependence of living things, students cross-pollinate the flowers with dried honeybees. Through data collection, measurement, observation, and recording, students discover the effects on the plants of their manipulation of their chosen variable. In the third phase, with the life cycle of the plant complete, students reflect on their experiences by reviewing their journals of data and observations. They compare and contrast their own data with data of other team members.