- cardboard box lid
- magnifying lenses
- markers
- nonstandard measuring tools
- trowels
- environment
- plant
- soil
- worm
MA Standards
English Language Arts/Language/L.PK.MA.6: Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, listening to books read aloud, activities, and play.
Mathematics/Measurement and Data/PK.MD.MA.1: Recognize the attributes of length, area, weight, and capacity of everyday objects using appropriate vocabulary (e.g., long, short, tall heavy, lights, big, small, wide, narrow).
MA Draft STE Standards:
Life Sciences/From Molecules to Organisms: Inheritance and Variation of Traits/LS1/3.A: Describe/draw and compare the body parts of animals (including themselves) and plants they are investigating [System] and explain functions of some of the observable body parts. [Structure and Function]
Life Sciences/From Molecules to Organisms: Inheritance and Variation of Traits/LS1/3.D: Recognize stages of the life cycle of plants and animals they have observed and discuss ideas about what happens at each stage. [Patterns, Change]
Life Sciences/Ecosystems; Biological Evolution/LS2/4.B: Using their experiences in the local environment and other evidence, raise and discuss questions about the basic needs of familiar organisms and how they might meet their needs. (Clarification statement: basic needs include water, food, air, shelter, and light for most plants)
Head Start Outcomes
Logic and Reasoning/Reasoning and Problem Solving: Classifies, compares, and contrasts objects, events, and experiences.
Science Knowledge/Scientific Skills and Method: Uses senses and tools, including technology, to gather information, investigate materials, and observe processes and relationships.
Science Knowledge/Scientific Skills and Method: Collects, describes, and records information through discussions, drawings, maps, and charts.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
English Language Arts/Language 2: Participate actively in discussions, listen to the ideas of others, and ask and answer relevant questions.
Mathematics/Measurement 14: Use nonstandard units to measure length, weight, and amount of content in familiar objects.
Science and Technology/Inquiry Skills: 3 Identify and use simple tools appropriately to extend observations.
Science and Technology/Earth and Space Sciences 5: Compare and contrast natural materials such as water, rocks, soil, and living organisms using descriptive language.
Science and Technology/Life Sciences 12: Observe and describe plants, insects, and animals as they go through predictable life cycles.
Explore Together (indoors): More Plant and Soil Changes
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
STEM Key Concepts: Plants get their needs met from the environment (their habitat); Some plant parts are below the ground and some above; Earthworms are animals that live in the soil, underground
ELA Focus Skills: Listening and Speaking, Vocabulary
Safety Tips:
- Remind children to wash their hands before and after the activity.
- Remind children not to eat ANY plants or touch any plants without asking an adult.
Tell children that today they are going to explore the area they did not explore yesterday. Say, If you went to the worm area yesterday, then today you will go to the plant area. Review with the children the list of things to explore:
- describe the roots, seeds, worms, etc.
- describe the size of the worms
- measure the roots and worms
- measure the plants and worms
Divide children into the same two groups as yesterday. Distribute magnifying lenses and have children work together to explore the worm habitat or their plants.
Encourage children to use their science notebooks to record changes, either by adding changes to any of the drawings they have already made or by creating new drawings. You may need to help children find the pages in their notebooks with their earlier drawings. Circulate and listen as children explore and engage with them when you see something has caught their interest. Ask questions such as,
- Why do you think the grass has turned brown?
- What section do you think the worm will go towards if you have one section of moist soil and one section of dry soil? Why do you think that?
- What plants have grown the most since the last time you observed them?
Reflect and Share
Encourage children to share their findings and their drawings. Help them reflect on their observations. Ask questions such as,
- Why do you think the bean seeds have grown so much since you planted them into the bigger pots?
- How are plants’ and worms’ environments similar?
Educator Tip: Be aware of children who show a dislike for worms. Do not force them to touch the worms, but encourage them to take part in other parts of the activity.
Adaptation: For children with tactile sensitivities, you may want to have large spoons on hand so they can join in the activity comfortably.