Students use their senses to investigate the diverse characteristics of a variety of local plants and animals. They observe appearances, behaviour, similarities, and differences, and classify the plants and animals accordingly. Through appropriate experimentation, students determine the needs of plants. By following collaboratively developed guidelines, they care for a plant or animal.
Students select a favourite plant and draw as many details of it as possible.
In a circle time, students communicate to the class why the plant is their favourite, using their pictures as a visual aid. Students create illustrations to demonstrate the growth of their plants. The teacher uses parent helpers or intermediate buddies to help students record their observations in written format and to assist with measuring and recording growth. Students could colour the plant's stalk to record its growth. The teacher arranges a schedule for students to bring their pets to school.