OBJECTIVE

Students will be able to plant a seed

Students will be able to discuss the moral of The Lorax by Dr. Suess

Students will be able to draw a prediction of what their seed will grow into

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

What do living things need to survive and grow?

Why is it important to plant seeds and grow plants in the garden?

MATERIALS NEEDED

Seeding trays The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss 2” seedling pots (3 per student) Potting soil
Seeds (African Marigolds)
Watering cans
Labels
Permanent Markers
Truffula Tree Observation worksheet

PROCEDURE

Introduction:
Ask students to raise their hands if they know about Dr. Seuss. Introduce the Lorax, and read the story.
After the story, ask students:
-Who was the Lorax? Why was he upset with the Once-ler?
-What was the Once-ler doing to the Truffula trees?
-Were there other living things that the Once-ler was harming?
-What did the land look like after the Once-ler was finished making his
Thneeds? Was he helping or harming the earth by making his Thneeds?
-What did the Once-ler give the boy at the end of the story? What can he do with that seed?
-How does planting Truffula trees help make the earth a better place?

Activity:
Ask students to raise their hand if they care about the earth. What are some things we could do to take care of the earth?
Hand out a marigold seed to each student. Ask students if they recognize this seed.
Explain that with this seed, the students are going to do just what the Lorax had asked – to plant Truffula trees and make the world a better place. Clarify with the students that these are marigolds, but that they look like Truffula trees. Explain that the marigolds, just like the Truffula trees, help to make the world a better place by bringing insects into the garden, cleaning the air, and helping other plants grow.
Ask students to describe how to plant a marigold seed, and what it needs to grow. Give each student a pot. Students scoop soil into their seedling, then make holes with their fingers, just big enough for their seeds. Students place their seeds in the holes, and cover them up. Finally, students water their pots and place them in the trays.

Wrap up/ Assessment:
Explain that these plants are not only for us, but for the garden and for our families. We are going to need to work hard to care for these plants!
Ask students, what do we need to do to make sure these plants are happy and healthy? What else can we do to make the world a better place?

Have students draw what they think their seed will look like on the Trufflula Tree Observation Worksheet

FOLLOW UP & EXTENSIONS

• In a few weeks draw what the marigold looks like on the Trufflula Tree Observation Worksheet