Grade 3 Science

Optional Unit: Plant Structures and Adaptations

Unit Overview:

The study of the diversity of plants, and how this diversity helps plants survive, is the main focus of this unit.

Related Units:

The Core Unit Earth, with its study of soil, may be integrated with this unit. Since many plant adaptations fit them to live in particular soils, those two aspects could be studied together.

Suggested themes:

adaptation, foods, house plants, plants, reproduction, seasons, structure

Factors of scientific literacy that should be emphasized:

• A3 holistic
• B2 interaction
• B4 organism
• B6 symmetry
• B14 cycle
• C3 observing and describing
• C8 hypothesizing
• C12 interpreting data
• E1 using magnifying instruments
• E2 using natural environments
• F4 valuing natural environments
• G3 continuous learner

Common Essential Learnings foundational objectives which should be emphasized:

• To develop an understanding of how knowledge is created, evaluated, refined, and changed within science. (CCT)
• To support the development of a positive attitude to life-long learning. (IL)

Science foundational and learning objectives:

1. Describe diversity in plant structure.
   1. Recognize roots, stems, leaves, and flowers as common structures of most plants.
   2. Examine modifications of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers.
   3. Discuss how plants are used by humans.
2. Explain how the structures of a plant help it survive.
   1. Investigate the functions of roots, stems, leaves and flowers.
   2. Observe and describe the response of plants to environmental stimuli.
   3. Observe and describe how plants are adapted to environmental conditions.