Unit Design
for
Characteristics and Functions of Plants
3rd Grade
Developed by
Candice Welling
Saginaw Preparatory Academy
UBD Unit Design Worksheet / Saginaw Valley State University
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Unit Design Worksheet
Unit Title: Characteristics and Functions of Plants
Subject/Course: Science
Topic: Plants
Staff Name: Mrs. Welling
Grade(s): 3
Stage 1 - Desired Results
Established Goals (GLCE’s, etc.):
L.OL.03.31
Describe the function of the following plant parts: flower, stem, root, and leaf.
L.OL.03.41
Classify plants on the basis of observable physical characteristics (roots, leaves, stems, and
flowers).
W.GN.03.03 Write an informational piece including a report that demonstrates the understanding of a
certain idea and supporting details using organization.
W.GN.03.04 Use the writing process to produce and present a research project; initiate research questions
from content area text using a variety of resources.
Understandings:
Essential Questions:
Students will understand that...



plants have a variety of different parts.
plant parts have a function for the survival of the
plant.
plants can be categorized into groups by physical
attributes.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
How do the plant parts help it to thrive and grow?
What categories can plants be put into?
How are plants classified?
Is my report written using the correct format?
Where can I find out more about plants?
Students will know...
Students will be able to...







the function of the different plant parts.
how to observe and categorize plant parts that
have similar characteristics.
how to research to write a report.
how to use the writing process to research a topic.



recognize different plant parts.
explain the function of the plant parts.
observe and categorize plant parts with similar
characteristics.
research a topic using report format.
use the writing process to research a topic.
use reference materials to find information.
Unit Enduring Understanding:
Unit Question:
The students will understand each part of the plant
and its function.
What is the function of a plant?
What do the parts of plants do in the growth and
development of the plant?
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Stage 2 - Assessment Evidence
Performance Tasks: (Summary in GRASPS form, end of the unit)(Summative After)
Goal:
Classify and describe function of plant parts
Role:
You are a master gardener at a nursery
Audience: Your audience is a group of interested beginning gardeners
Situation: You are teaching these beginning gardeners the function of each plant part
Product: Plant seeds: Observe the function of the plant parts and create a poster to demonstrate their
function
Standards: Rubric 4 points: plant, poster, observation, report
Key Criteria: (Rubrics, etc.)
Building A Structure: Characteristics and Function of Plants
Teacher Name: Candy Welling
Student Name:
________________________________________
CATEGORY
4
3
2
1
Poster
All parts and functions
are shown accurately,
professionally
presented, with correct
spelling
Most parts and functions
are shown accurately,
neat presentation, most
words spelled correctly
Some parts and
functions are shown
accurately, presentation
needs improvement, has
many words misspelled
Few parts and functions
are shown accurately,
messy presentation, has
a great deal of
misspelled words
Report
Grammar and spelling
correct, and neatly
presented
Most of the grammar
and spelling is correct
and neatly presented
Some major grammar or
spelling errors, may be
messy and not well
presented
Little care given to
using correct grammar
and spelling, messy and
poorly presented
Plant
Seed planted correctly,
was cared for properly
and grew
Seed planted correctly,
cared for most of the
times and grew
Seed planted, some care Seed may not have been
was given and started to planted correctly, some
grow
care was given, seed did
not grow
Observation
On task, working hard,
getting a great deal
accomplished
On task most of the
On task some of the
time, getting work done time, not working up to
expectation
Off task most of the
time, playing and
disruptive
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Other Evidence: (Quizzes, Tests, Prompts, Observations, Dialogs, Work samples, etc.)(Before, During)(For learning)
COLUMN 4 of Content Expectation Analysis Sheet
1. Graphic Organizer of Plant Parts
2. Discussion
3. Quiz
4. Unit Test
Before
Discussion
KWL
During
quiz
graphic organizers
Research
learning log
After
unit test
write report
create poster
Describe the assessment/s and state the prompt
if applicable.
xF xS
What type of scoring tools will be used for
evaluation?
□ Analytic rubric
x Holistic rubric
□ Criterion rubric
□ Checklist
x Answer Key
□ Other
Student Self-Assessment and Reflection:
Students make daily entries in their Plant Learning Log. Entries may include written reflection, sketches,
and/or a chart/table.
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Unit Design Worksheet
Stage 3 - Learning Plan
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Differentiated Instruction (Layers, Tiered, etc.):
Layer C (vocabulary, reading activities)
Must do 3 of the activities (10 points each)
_____ Make vocabulary word cards
_____ Play “Plant Parts Concentration Game”
_____ Play “Plant Part Bingo”
_____ Plant Explorer http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/revision/Science/living/plants.html
_____ All About Plants http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/revision/Science/living/plants.html
Layer B (problem solving)
All Activities are required (10 points each)
_____ Label a Plant Activity
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/revision/Science/living/plants.html
_____ Helping Plants Grow Well
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/revision/Science/living/plants.html
_____ Help Plants Grow
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/living_things/help_plants_grow/play.shtml
Layer A (read and reflect)
All Activities are required
_____ Grow a plant from seed. (25 points)
_____ Reflect daily in Learning Log. (5 points each entry)
_____ Create a poster that shows and explains plant parts and their functions. (25 points)
_____ Characteristics and Functions of Plants Test (25 points)
_____ Report on Plant Parts and Their Function (25 points)
Learning Activities: (consider the WHERE TO elements)
W
H
E
R
E
T
O
We will learn about plants and what each part of the plant does to support the plant.
We will plant our own seeds and watch as they grow into plants to hook and hold attention.
We will use flipcharts, vocabulary games, websites, charts, and discussion to equip students with
needed information.
We will use numerous websites to rethink and revise student’s thoughts.
Students will self evaluate through daily learning log entries.
Learning will be tailored by using multiple intelligence activities. Kinesthetic learners will plant
seeds and observe growth, visual learners will have videos, flipcharts and charts, and auditory
learners will use discussion.
The learning will be organized on a day-by-day schedule.
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UBD Unit Design Worksheet / Saginaw Valley State University
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Unit Design Worksheet
Essential Vocabulary
flower
Definition: The bloom or blossom of a plant; the reproductive organ of an angiosperm plant
Context: Flowers come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
leaves
Definition: The main organs of photosynthesis and transpiration in plants
Context: When you look at a forest in summer, you can see the green leaves of trees.
photosynthesis
Definition: A process used by plants to convert water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight into carbohydrates and
oxygen
Context: Photosynthesis allows plants to make their own food.
roots
Definition: The usually underground part of a seed plant body
Context: Roots hold the plant in place.
seed
Definition: A fertilized and mature ovule containing a plant embryo
Context: A new plant will come from the seed.
stem
Definition: Stalk; a slender or elongated structure that supports a plant
Context: The stem pokes up through the soil.
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Sequencing the Learning
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
KWL
Level C Activities
Plant seeds
Level C Activities
Level C Activities
Intro. of Plant Unit
Plant Flipchart
“Plants and Their
Function”
Learning Log Entry
Learning Log Entry
Plant Care
Plant Care
Learning Log Entry
Learning Log Entry
Learning Log Entry
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Level B Activities
Quiz
Level B Activities
Level B Activities
Plant Care
Plant Care
Plant Care
Plant Care
Create poster that
shows/explains the
plant parts and their
function.
Learning Log Entry
Learning Log Entry
Learning Log Entry
Learning Log Entry
Plant Care
Learning Log Entry
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Cont. work on poster
Write Report on
Plant Parts and Their
Functions
Review Plants and
Functions with Plants
Flipchart
Unit Test: Plants and
Their Function
Plant Care
Write Report on
Plant Parts and Their
Functions
Learning Log Entry
Plant Care
Plant Care
Plant Care
Learning Log Entry
Learning Log Entry
Learning Log Entry
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