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Waterwise Locals

In this unit, students will learn about plant needs and growth, microclimates, and biodiversity through hands-on STEAM activities. Students will grow and harvest plants, conduct schoolyard field surveys, and create a class map of plant and animal biodiversity that includes water saving plants. This unit will also help students to learn how to identify plants and animals, gather and analyze field data, visualize data, and communicate their findings. 

Hands-on Activities: 

  • Grow and harvest sunflower sprouts 
  • Design and test optimal growing conditions  
  • Plant needs and growth requirements postcards 
  • Schoolyard plant growth walk 
  • Soil probe and growth factors measurements  
  • Mapmaking of plant growth and microclimates    
  • Microclimate drawings 
  • Plant biodiversity schoolyard survey  

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

2-LS2-1 •  2-LS4-1 

Visual Arts Standards:

VA:Cr2.2.1 •  VA:Re7.2.1