As the unit expands to focus on the interdependence of living things, students cross-pollinate the flowers with dried honeybees. Finally, they harvest mature seeds and determine seed yields. These experiences deepen students' understanding of the characteristics of living organisms and their relationship with and dependence on their environment. Science Content Plant life cycles, resource needs of organisms, and environmental changes are investigated with Wisconsin Fast Plants. Each student keeps a laboratory notebook to record the many changes, from seed to flower, of these plants.
Students translate their findings and measurements into graphs.
Using the processes of technological design, students design and build models of the Drassica plant and a bee. Students communicate their designs in a class presentation and demonstrate their knowledge of the science concepts learned in the unit. Assessment Students begin the unit with a brainstorming session in which they share what they know and want to know about plants. Assessments in this session and Lesson 10 are matched with a post unit discussion that provides tools to help evaluate student progress in understanding the plant's life cycle and learning about the anatomy of the bee. Throughout the unit, student notebooks, graphs, and record sheets can be used for assessment and evaluation.