GlobalSchoolNet.org -- Linking Kids Around the World!

This project will run during the 2005 - 06 school year. We are interested in comparing and contrasting plant growth data with other classrooms in environments different from ours. Students will germinate seeds (lima beans, peas, and/or corn) in the classroom and observe and record the growth over an eight-week period. They will enter data on recording sheets and graph the plant’s growth. Students will also keep a journal of their observations. Classes will share the data with other classes through e-mail communication and through the project website.

Classes may want to create different growing environment to observe differences under varying conditions. For example, put some seeds near the window and others in a dark part of the classroom. Plant some seeds the cup, put the cup in a zip lock bag, water it once and observe the greenhouse effect.

Participating classrooms may choose to have individual students grow their own plants or do their plantings as a group, but each class must have one model that will be used for data collection.

Classes will photograph their plants four times during the eight-week period (every two weeks) and email these photos to their partner classroom.

Growing Tips/Options: 1. Soak seeds in water overnight 2. Provide each student (or group of students) with seeds, soil and plastic cups 3. For best viewing of roots, grow some seeds in a zip lock bag and then transplant to a cup once roots are formed.

Activity 1 Plant the seeds Activity 2 Observe and record information - Suggestions · Size, color and shape of leaves · Length of stem · Root observations (if you plant a seed in a zip lock bag) Activity Three Summarize your class findings and send to the project coordinator (lbrandon@lakelandschools.org) and your partner with the digital photos or drawings. Optional extension activities will be provided on the project website. Classes may submit these if desired.

* Students understand the life cycle of plants and the conditions needed to germinate seeds * Using the scientific method, students will predict, observe, measure and record the growth of their plants over several weeks * Students will exchange information with another class in order to compare and analyze growth under different environmental conditions * Students will learn about other communities, climates and geographies through the exchange of this information