Seed Plants

 

Purpose:

The purpose of the lesson is to investigate the characteristics of seed plants (angiosperms, gymnosperms, monocots, dicots, xylem and phloem) using the 5E learning model.  By participating in discrepant events and group activities students will explore and gain an understanding of the various characteristics of seed 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

            c) factors that influence life processes.

 

LS.5     The student will investigate and understand how organisms can be classified. Key concepts include

            b) the distinguishing characteristics of major animal and plant phyla

c) the characteristics of the species.

 

National Science Education Standards:

CONTENT STANDARD C:

Structure and function in living systems

 

Materials/Resources:

Seed plants activity sheet

Examples of gymnosperm

Example of angiosperm

Example of monocot

Example of dicot

 

Safety:
Students should be aware if they have any allergies or reactions to the plants being brought in for examples.

 

Procedure:

Timeframe: one 40-45 minute period.

 

Engage:

1)  The teacher will engage the students by asking them a thought-provoking question that relates to xylem and phloem of a tree.  An example would be “How can a tree tell time?” (5 min)

 

Explore:

2)  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, using the students’ textbook. (To be done along with discussion)

 

Explain:

3)  The teacher will discuss the various characteristics of seeded plants along with the students.  The teacher and students will discuss characteristics like, xylem, phloem, and cambium, as well as, gymnosperms, angiosperms and monocots and dicots.   The teacher can also have examples of monocots and dicots for the students to see.  (25 min)

 

Elaborate:

4)  At the end of class the teacher will divide the students into groups and provide them with an activity to identify the various characteristics we discussed in class, along with an explanation.  The first group to answer correctly may win a prize (but may not be told that a prize will be given until after the fact). (10-15  min)

 

Evaluate:

Performance Criteria

Evidence

Points

Students should be able to identify the three tissues of vascular plants.

Completion of seed plant activity sheet and participation in class discussion/activity

 

Students should be able to identify the two types of vascular seeded plants.

Completion of seed plant activity sheet and participation in class discussion/activity

 

Students should be able to identify the characteristics of monocots and dicots.

 

Completion of seed plant activity sheet and participation in class discussion/activity.

 

 

5 = completes activity and explanation without mistakes

3 = completes activity but offers incomplete explanation.

0 = does not complete activity or explanation