Nonvascular Plants

 

 

Purpose/Rationale:

            The purpose of this lesson plan is to allow students to explore the various characteristics of nonvascular plants using the 5E learning model.  Students will be able to make connections between nonvascular and vascular plants. 

 

Standards:

Virginia Standards of Learning:

LS. 4  The student will investigate and understand that the basic needs of organisms must be met in order to carry out life processes. Key concepts include

a)      plant needs (light, water, gases, and nutrients);

 

 

National Science Education Standards:

CONTENT STANDARD C:

  • Diversity and adaptations of organisms
  • Structure and function in living systems

 

Materials and Resources:

Example of moss or other nonvascular plant

Pictures of nonvascular plants – either brought in by the teacher or using the students’ textbook.

Sponge

Water

Paper

Pen

Safety:

There are no safety precautions in this lesson plan.

 

Procedure:

Timeframe: one 40-45 minute class period

 

Engage:

1.  The teacher will begin by passing around or showing the students a rock or example of moss or other nonvascular plant.  The teacher will ask the students what they believe the plant is. (5 min)

 

Explore:

2.  The teacher will ask open-ended questions regarding the students’ knowledge of nonvascular plants.  The students will look at various examples of nonvascular plants using their life science textbook. (5 min)

 

 

 

Explain:

3.  The teacher and students will discuss the various characteristics of nonvascular plants. The teacher will demonstrate how the moss takes up water by sprinkling water onto a sponge (20-30 min).

 

Elaborate:

4.  The teacher will provide an activity sheet for the students to reiterate information given during the class; students will fill out the sheet using information given during the discussion.  If not finished the sheet should be completed before the next day’s class. (done along with discussion)

 

Evaluate (Assessment):

Performance Criteria

Evidence

Points

Students should be able to identify the three major types of nonvascular plants.

Completion of nonvascular plant activity sheet and participation in class discussion.

 

Students should be able to identify the major characterisitics of nonvascular plants.

Completion of nonvascular plant activity sheet and participation in class discussion.

 

 

2 = completes activity and explanation without mistakes

1 = completes activity but offers incomplete explanation.

0 = does not complete activity or explanation