OBJECTIVE

Students will explore 12 different seeds. They will be able to identify the shared needs of seeds, and the diversity they represent.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

How are seeds different from one another? How are seeds the same? What do seeds look like?

MATERIALS NEEDED

• 12 trays (each labeled with a letter,A-L)
• 12 different types of seeds
• Egg cartons (one per student)
• Potting soil
• Watering cans or spray bottles
• Seed guide (for teacher)
• Seeds of Diversity worksheet

PROCEDURE

Introduction

12 trays of 12 different seeds are laid out for students to observe. Ask students to make scientific observations about the seeds without naming any of them.
• What do they look like?
• What do they feel like?
• Where (what part of the plant) do you think they come from?
Then ask students to define the word diversity. Connect it to biodiversity. Explain the importance of biodiversity in creating a healthy planet.

Activity:
To illustrate the word diversity, students are each given their own egg carton, which will act as their “diversity garden” for the winter.
Students choose 12 seeds they would like to plant in their egg carton, and write the corresponding letter of each seed’s tray on the top of the egg carton. This will help track the seeds as they begin to grow, so we know which seed is which.
Next, students fill their cartons with soil – just to the top of the hole.
They make one hole in each space and place their seed inside. Cover it up, then spray down with water.

Wrap up/ Assessment:
Students make a hypothesis about what the seeds will turn into. Using the “Seeds of Diversity” worksheet, they will guess what each of the seeds are/will turn into.

FOLLOW UP & EXTENSIONS

Transplanting lesson, Plant identification