Day 3: Digging Deeper with a STEAM Investigation

STEAM investigations are opportunities where you can “dig deeper” with your students and learn about plants.

STEAM activities are investigations that combine at least two different learning standards from the five disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math).

An investigation starts with a question that builds upon student interest or prior knowledge but it does not have to be completed in one block of time. A plant investigation is a great example of an on-going activity that allows students to track the growth of their plant over time.

The first part of the activity is heavy on the Science but throughout the rest of our 5-day challenge, we will show a way to make it STEAMy!

Setting up a Plant Investigation

Investigation: What do plants need to grow?

Ask students what they think plants need to have in order to grow? You also could review or introduce the plant life cycle depending on the interest of your students. You may wish to revisit the From Seed to Plant to review what you have learned about plants so far.

Materials:

Soil
Shovel
Bucket
Clear Plastic Cup
Seed
Water Squirt Bottle

Step 1: Write your name on a clear plastic cup. Fill your cup about halfway with dirt. (Students can count how many scoops it takes – Math connection)!

Step 2: Place your seed in the dirt and cover it with another layer of dirt.

Step 3: Use the squirt bottle to add water to your seed. You may wish to use a craft stick and design a garden marker (art connection).

Step 4: Place the cup in a sunny window and observe what happens!

You may wish to use our Plant Journal to help keep track of your plant’s growth. Included in the journal is a creative prompt to draw what you think your plant will look like. Revisit daily or weekly to notice any change in your plants.