Science
SCI.III.2.5
Strand:
Using Scientific Knowledge in Life Science
- Organization of Living Things
Standard:
Benchmark:
Grade: 3rd
All students will analyze how parts of living things are adapted to carry out
specific functions
Explain functions of selected seed plant parts
Constructing and Reflecting:
SCI.I.1.1 - Generate reasonable questions about the world based on observation.
SCI.I.1.2 - Develop solutions to problems through reasoning, observation, and investigation.
SCI.I.1.3 - Manipulate simple devices that aid observation and data collection.
SCI.II.1.1 - In the scientific world, decisions must be based on factual evidence that can be replicated.
SCI.II.1.2 - Show how science concepts can be illustrated through creative expression such as language arts and fine
arts.
Vocabulary / Key Concepts
Context
Plant parts:
Common edible plant parts:
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roots
stems
leaves
flowers
fruits
seeds
bean
cauliflower
carrot
apple
tomato
celery
spinach
Knowledge and Skills
Resources
Coloma Resources:
All plants are made up of parts that perform a specific function
(job) to keep the plant alive. Students will explain how each
part of a plant that produces seeds works to support a plant’s
life.
Discover the Wonder (Scott Foresman) –
Grade 3 Module B – Chapter 1
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Photosynthesis poster
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roots – anchor the plant and take in water and minerals
stem – provides support and carries water, minerals, and
food to all parts of the plant
leaves – make food (site of food production)
flower – produces fruit and attracts pollinators
fruit – holds and disperses seeds; protects embryo
seeds – carry embryo for a new plant
Flower model: Large Geppert flower model
“Seed Plants” Sing the Science Standards with
the Science Explosion Songbook
“Salad Nutrition Chart” Grow Lab Activities
for Growing Minds ISBN: 091587332 (NSF
Pub.)
M.E.G.O.S.E. Appendix A Culturally
Relevant Materials, p. 138 (Katherine Esau
biography)
http://www.fmi.org/coolscience/ (plant parts)
Videoconferences Available
For more information, see
www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl or call Janine Lim
471-7725x101 or email
jlim@remc11.k12.mi.us
3.2.5
Plants We Eat from the Queens Botanical
Garden
Instruction
Benchmark Question: How does each part of a seed
plant support the plant’s life?
Focus Question: What are the functions of seed plant
parts?
Begin by reading a biography about Katherine Esau.
As a review of plant parts and their functions – have
children in small groups match a plant part card with the
correct definition card (link to benchmark clarification
III.2.E.5). Lead class discussion to ensure correct
matches. Provide examples of foods that represent each
part of a plant:
Food
Part
Function
bean
seed
carries embryo for new plant
cauliflower flower produces fruit and attracts pollinators
carrots
root
anchors plant and takes in water and
minerals
tomatoes
fruit
holds and disperses seeds; protects
embryo
spinach
leaf
makes food (site of food production)
celery
stem
provides support and carries water,
minerals and food to all parts of the
plant
Have students identify each item. In small groups,
as food is passed to each group, have students
classify each food as either a root, stem, leaf, flower,
fruit, or seed. Have groups record their placement
on a chart or board visible to everyone. Through
class discussion, clarify the part of plant each food
represents.
Assessment
Create a plant part salad. Incorporate each
plant part in the salad. Identify the part and the
function of each part through a written ‘menu’
entry, a labeled diagram, or an oral
presentation about their salad.
(Give students rubric before activity.)
Scoring Rubric
Criteria
Apprentice
Basic
Meets
Exceeds
Completeness of Creates salad
plant parts
containing two
or three plant
parts.
Creates salad
containing
four or five
plant parts.
Creates
salad
containing
all plant
parts.
Creates
salad
containing
more than
one of each
of
the plant
parts.
Identification of
plant parts
Identifies two
or three plant
parts.
Identifies
four or five
plant parts.
Identifies
six plant
parts.
Identifies
six plant
parts
Functions of
plant parts
Identifies a
function of
two or three
plant parts.
Identifies a
function of
four or five
plant parts.
Identifies a
function of
six plant
parts.
Identifies
more than
one of the
functions of
the six plant
parts.
Teacher Notes:
Analyze how parts of living things are adapted to carry out specific functions.
Multicellular organisms, over a long period of time, have adapted and become specialized to be efficient at a
particular function...for example the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds of a common green plant
have specialized parts that work together to form systems to do processes which become interdependent within
the organism. This interdependence helps to maintain a stable internal environment in higher plants and
animals. This stable environment can be, in turn, disrupted by disease and other environmental conditions. The
scientifically literate student should be able to describe how technology can be used in the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in today's world.