Here's a simple activity for a life and earth sciences session:
Activity: Plant Growth Experiment
Objective: To understand the factors that affect plant growth and observe the process of germination.
Materials Needed:
- Seeds (e.g., bean seeds, pea seeds)
- Small pots or containers
- Potting soil
- Watering can or spray bottle
- Marker or labels
- Sunlight or artificial light source
- Journal or notebook
Procedure:
- Divide the students into small groups.
- Provide each group with seeds, pots, soil, and water.
- Instruct the students to fill their pots with soil and plant the seeds according to the instructions provided.
- Label each pot with the type of seed planted and the date.
- Water the seeds gently.
- Place the pots in different locations: some in direct sunlight, some in partial sunlight, and some in low light or darkness (you can use artificial light sources for this).
- Instruct the students to observe and record the growth of their plants daily in their journals. They should note any changes they observe, such as sprouting, leaf development, and changes in height.
- After a week or two, gather the groups together to discuss their observations. Compare the growth of plants in different light conditions and discuss the importance of sunlight for plant growth.
- Encourage the students to draw conclusions about the factors that influence plant growth based on their observations.
This activity not only teaches students about the process of plant growth but also allows them to engage in hands-on observation and experimentation, fostering a deeper understanding of life sciences concepts such as germination and photosynthesis, as well as earth sciences concepts related to ecosystems and the role of sunlight in plant growth.