Structures of Life
Origins of Seeds
FOSS Structures of Life, TESLA Science Notebooks
BIG IDEA:
All living organisms have identifiable structures and
characteristics that serve different functions in growth, survival,
and reproduction.
Guiding Questions
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Where do seeds come from?
Where are seeds found on plants?
What do seeds need to grow?
What effect does water have on seeds?
Engaging Scenario
“Scientists at TESLA study many different types of plants and animals.
They write reports of what they learn about these plants and animals in
science notebooks so they can share this information with other
people. The TESLA scientists are very busy right now and cannot finish
all of their studies. They need us to help them with some of their work
and have asked if we could study some specific plants and animals for
them.
They have sent us some materials and printed information that may
help us. They also need us to keep accurate records and labeled
drawings in our science notebooks so we can send them a report about
what we found out.”
What do we need to investigate?
What is the problem that needs to be solved?
Part I: Properties of Fruit
Here is a familiar fruit that you have probably seen and even ate.
Lets create a list of words that would describe this fruit based on
our observations.
I am going to title our list Properties of an Apple because what you
just described are properties of the apple you observed.
Word Wall: Property
A property is a characteristic of a material. The words you use to
describe something - like size, shape, color, texture, smell, and
other features.
Background Knowledge:
The first item that the TESLA scientists want us to study for them is
called a bean pod.
Let’s examine the bean pods and create a list that describes their
properties.
Properties of a Bean Pod
Background Knowledge:
We have done a great job of identifying the visible properties of a bean
pod, but sometimes scientists need to dissect an organism to learn more
about properties they can’t initially see.
Let’s examine the inside of our bean pod by carefully splitting the pod
open with a plastic knife.
Properties of a Bean Pod
Contains Seeds
Most of us would call a bean pod a vegetable, but
scientifically it is really a fruit. A part of a plant
that contains seeds is called a fruit.
Background Knowledge:
Word Wall: Fruit
A structure that develops from the flower of a plant and contains
seeds.
Lets take a closer look at
the seeds we found in our
bean pods and add a few
more properties to our list.
Properties of a Bean Pod
Contains Seeds
Size:
Number:
Shape:
Color:
Texture:
Smell:
Background Knowledge:
The TESLA scientists would like to know if the seeds of all fruits
have the same properties as the seeds of a bean pod? What do
you think we would need to do to help them?
Dissect and Compare other Fruits
We need to keep accurate records in our notebooks so we can
share with others what we observed.
Comparing Seeds of Fruit:
Scientists keep accurate records in their notebooks so they can share with
others what they observed.
Fruit
Number of Seeds
Properties of Seeds
Picture of Seed
Comparing Seeds:
Quick Write:
One new thing I learned about seeds was…
Part II: Sprouting Seeds
The TESLA scientists have sent us a container of seeds for us to study.
We need to start by sorting the seeds by kind. We can do this by
identifying their different properties… Size, shape, color, and texture.
Word Wall:
Seeds are living plants in a resting or dormant stage.
“If we wanted to grow these seeds, what would we need to do?”
The TESLA scientists are hoping that you can help them make the seeds
grow. They are really interested to know if seeds can grow in just water
instead of planting them in soil?
Focus Question:
“Discuss with your group what we need to investigate and record it as
the FOCUS QUESTION. This is the problem we are going to investigate
and solve.”
What will happen to the seeds…
If we just water them? Will the seeds
grow?
Prediction:
Now that we have a focus question, discuss with your group what you
think a possible answer might be. Record your prediction in your scientist
notebook and be ready to share your ideas with the class.
Prediction:
I think that the seeds will ____________________________________
if we just water them because…
Sprouting Seeds
Before we test our ideas and add water to our seeds we need to record
an observation of our dry seeds.
Scientists record the date of their observations and use detailed drawings
with labels.
Dry Seeds
Seed Type:
Date:
Properties/Description:
Sprouting Seeds
1. Assemble the mini-sprouter using the 1/4 liter container, filter paper and lid.
2. Put 6 bean, pea, corn, and sunflower seeds on the filter paper for a total of 24
seeds.
3. Fill each mini-sprouter about 1/4 full of weak bleach solution. Let the seeds soak
while your group makes a place mat for the container.
4. Your place mat should include your group member names and labeled examples of
each seed placed in your mini-sprouter are glued to the mat.
5. Drain the mini-sprouter completely by holding the lid loosely on the top and pouring
all of the water out. No puddles should be left in the container. Push the edge of
the filter paper down and attach the lid tightly.
Sprouting Seeds
The TESLA Scientists have sent us another device that will help us investigate if
seeds can be grown with just water. We are going to set-up and use this
sprouter so we can compare seeds grown in water using two different methods.
Class Sprouter & Seeds
Label each tray with
the appropriate seed
label.
Add ½ liter of bleach
water to the top tray
each day.
Making Observations
We will rinse and observe our seeds each day for one week. When
you examine your seeds, you will need to make a labeled drawing and
write an observation in your science notebook, identifying any
changes you notice.
Watered Seed Observations
Seed Type:
Date:
Properties/Description:
Quick Write:
What changes do you think you might see in the sprouters at the end of the week?
Part III: Seed Soak
Can you share some observations you have made from your seeds in the
sprouters so far?
An important part of being a scientist is asking questions about the things
you are observing and trying to set-up opportunities that will help you
answer your questions.
• What could be causing the seeds to appear swollen?
• If the seeds are soaking up water, how can we find out how
much water the seeds are holding?
Part III: Seed Soak
The TESLA scientists are very interested in learning more about “swollen
seeds” so they have sent us some more tools to help us investigate.
Balance
Dry Lima Beans
Gram Cubes
How could we use these materials to measure and compare seeds?
Dry Seeds vs. Soaked Seeds
Part III: Data Collection
We can use a T-Chart and the materials the TESLA scientists sent us to
compare the mass of dry seeds to the mass of soaked seeds.
Mass of Dry Seeds
Mass of Soaked Seeds
• Today we can record the mass of 5 lima beans in grams.
• We can soak the same 5 beans in water over night and compare their mass in
grams tomorrow.
• Remember… Scientists should keep accurate records so we should make a
detailed sketch of what the beans look like before and after they are soaked.
Quick Write:
Make an estimate for how much the beans will change in size.
Part III:
Comparing our Lima Beans
Gently dry weigh your lima beans. Record your results on the T-Chart we
created.
Mass of Dry Seeds
Mass of Soaked Seeds
• How much water did the beans soak up? Was their mass in grams different?
• Why do you think the beans soaked up so much water?
Part III:
Looking Closer
Lets take a really close look at our lima beans to see if we can determine
why they are soaking up water and swelling.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Remove the thin outer coating on the seed.
Open the two halves of the seed.
Use a hand lens to examine the inside surfaces of the seed.
Record an observation in your notebook. Include a detailed
drawing with labels.
Word Wall:
Seed Coat- The thin white shell that comes off of the seed.
Cotyledons- The two halves of the seed. This part of the seed
stores food for the young plant.
Embryo- The developing “baby plant.”
Origin of Seeds
Making Meaning:
Where do seeds come from?
Seeds are found in the part of the plant called a fruit that normally develop
from a flower. We often think of fruits as just being items like apples, peaches,
strawberries, etc. To a botanist (person who studies plants)nuts and
vegetables are really just another form of fruit because they contain seeds.
Do all seeds have the same properties?
Seeds are very diverse. Different kinds of fruits have different number, size,
shape, texture, and color of seeds.
How does water affect seeds?
Seeds change in the presence of water. They absorb water which makes them
swell and begin to sprout (grow).
Is a seed alive? How can you tell?
A seed is an organism, a living thing. Each seed contains the embryo plant and
cotyledon that stores food and water.
Claims and Evidence:
Based on what you have learned from your investigation of seeds,
you need to record some claims and evidence statements in your
science notebook… Your evidence must be based on your data and
observations!
I claim that…
I know this because…
Possible Examples:
I claim that seeds develop in the fruit of a plant. I know this
because…
I claim that water can make seeds get larger, heavier and grow.
I know this because…
REFLECTION AND CONCLUSION
November
11/8
• What did you learn…?
• What really surprised you…?
• What new questions do you have…?
• What would you like to know more about…?
2011