Our Green Earth | Hands on Learning With Plants & Soil

In this 6 week, hands on science course, students will learn all about plants and how they grow. We'll discuss the importance of soil and fungus in the ecosystems of our planet. We'll also talk about the different anatomy of plants and fungus, while we practice skills in scientific observation. Through a series of experiments and scientific observations learners will connect with the scientific concepts discussed to the world around them.

Class 1: Dirt & Where It Comes From
Before our first lesson, students will collect soil samples from an outdoor area near their home. By shaking a closed jar of water and soil and allowing it to settle, students will reveal some of the mysteries hiding in the dirt below their feet. We'll learn about the soil pyramid, a tool used by geologists and soil scientists. We'll make observations, and use this tool to determine how much of our samples are sand, silt, clay, and organic matter.  By comparing soils we'll observe the kind of differences that can be found from place to place.

Class 2: It Starts with a Seed
In our second meeting students will plant beans in hopes of growing a bean stalk! With a second jar of soil in hand, we'll plant 1 bean in our home soil samples, and see which ones bear fruit grow and which ones do not. We'll also place a few beans between wet paper towels so that we can watch them sprout a little more clearly. Students will learn about the germination process. and how seeds are spread around the world by the forces of nature.

Class 3: Roots and Soil Conditions
Every great plant needs strong roots. Observing some key characteristics in root vegetables, like carrots and potatoes, we'll learn about how root systems start. We'll expand our understanding of the earths top layer, soil nutrients, and the factors which shape early plant development. We'll also discuss soil acidity and the ways in which humans effect the soil and roots of plants. 

Class 4: Fungus Among Us and Below
Though not all young people enjoy eating mushrooms, we all benefit from these amazing organisms. Lesson 3 focuses on the importance of fungus and micro-biotic life in sustaining the plant kingdom. Students will learn how bacteria and fungus help plants get nutrition. We'll also talk about mushrooms, the fruit body of fungus. Students will dissect a mushroom in class as we learn about their anatomy and life cycle. Mushrooms and fungus are not plants, but understanding their ecological role is key to understanding plant life.

Class 5: Aire y Aqua (Air & Water)
Class 5 focuses on how plants take in water and nutrients. Using food coloring and celery, we'll practice scientific observation and measuring skills, while making some very funky celery stalks. Students will learn about photorespiration and how plants capture CO2 and produce O2. We'll observe the role this plays in our planets atmosphere, and in our day to day lives.

Class 6: Fruit! Natures Candy
In our final lesson we'll look at what makes fruit so delicious. We'll talk about how the seasons effect various changes in fruit baring trees, and what it means when the leaves fall from our favorite maple or oak tree. Learning about photosynthesis, we'll observe how plants make their own food. Students will dissect their favorite fruit as we talk about fruits role in our lives, and in the lives of the plants who bear them. 

Each class will be part lecture, part experiment/observation, and part facilitated discussion. Students will be encouraged to think creatively and to explore where our observations meet their own understanding of the world. In each lesson we'll check in with the progress of our bean stalks and take new measurements. As we learn more, students will be encouraged to apply the lessons knowledge in their understanding of the experiment.


Instructions for experiment/observation prep will be posted in the classroom 1 week in advance of each meeting, and again the day before class. A complete list of materials/ prep can be found below in the learner supply list.