Growing Plants


Investigate the growth of three common garden plants: tomatoes, beans, and turnips. You can change the amount of light each plant gets, the amount of water added each day, and the type of soil the seed is planted in. Observe the effect of each variable on plant height, plant mass, leaf color and leaf size. Determine what conditions produce the tallest and healthiest plants. Height and mass data are displayed on tables and graphs.

Screenshot of Growing Plants Gizmo

LESSON MATERIALS:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Determine what a seed needs to grow into a healthy plant.
  • Explore the effects of light intensity, water levels, and soil additives on plant growth.
  • Design an experiment to investigate a question.
  • Use the steps of the scientific method.
  • Analyze data using tables and graphs.

VOCABULARY:

  • compost, fertilizer, mass, seed, soil, variable

User Testimonials

Critical Acclaim

  • Winner: Best K-12 Instructional Solution

    2009 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Winner: Distinguished Achievement Award

    2008, 2007, 2005 AEP

  • Winner: Award of Excellence

    2008 Tech and Learning Magazine

  • Winner: Best Science Instruction Solution

    2007, 2006 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Finalist: Golden Lamp Award

    2009, 2008, 2006 AEP

  • Finalist: Best Math Instructional Solution

    2009, 2008, 2006 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Finalist: Best Instructional Solution, Science

    2009, 2008 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Finalist: Best Instructional Solution, Online

    2006 SIIA CODiE Awards

  • Diamond Award in Mathematics

    District Administration Magazine

  • E-Learning Innovation Award

    Macromedia Corp.

  • Best Education Website

    Webby Awards

  • Three time Digital Dozen Honoree

    Eisenhower National Clearinghouse