SAVE THE GLEENIES
AN INTERPLANETARY PLANTQUEST
INTRODUCTION
The Gleenies have just approached you from Planet Glowing Green.. They are in desperate need of your help. Their atmosphere is changing to become more like Earth's. They have discovered that if they don't begin growing plants within the next twelve days, their planet will expire. The Gleenies are depending on your scientific team to give them the knowledge that they need.
You job is to educate the Gleenies in plant basics. You will help them learn the basic parts of plants, investigate how plants produce food, and teach them that plants and animals use food to sustain life. You will be creating a journal for the Gleenies to take back to Glowing Green with them. (Which means you handwriting must be neat and your sentences complete!) The following items should be included in your journal to the Gleenies:
1. Tell the Gleenies how plants grow. Include a diagram of a plant life cycle.
2. Describe the parts of a plant. Include a diagram, labeling each structure and its function.
3. Describe pollination. Include a diagram, labeling the structures of a flower.
4. Create a recipe card for photosynthesis for the Gleenies. See the recipe card information below.
5. Describe the seven things plants need to manufacture food and to grow.
6. Describe four major components of soil.
7. Tell the Gleenies 2 plants they can eat from each of these plant structures: roots, seeds, fruits, flowers, leaves, stems.
8. Describe five different ways that plants can be used.
9. Design a garden - use at least six different plants and position them in the most effective areas. (Completed on small poster board.)
PROCESS
In your team of four you will research the above tasks. Your team has only four days to complete the journal for the Gleenies. (My suggestion is that each of you take 2 questions to research.) Your answers must be completed in the above order in your journal. Your team will only be required to complete one journal. Number 9 should be done as a group. Only if all your minds are put together will you be able to design a garden.
You must have complete sentences and your diagrams should be neat and clearly labeled. Your team will be responsible for spelling, especially when your team directly copies from your resources. Look below at the evaluation for a clear picture as to how your team can earn an A!
RESOURCES
I. How plants grow and the life cycle of a plant
Brain Pop Life Cycle of Plants -username: goehring password: plant
More on the Life Cycle of Plants
II. The Parts of a Plant
III. Pollination and flower structures
IV. Recipe Card for Photosynthesis
A. Use the links below to compare the process of photosynthesis with the baking of a favorite treat.
B. Create a recipe card for photosynthesis in your journal. Remember that a recipe has three basic sections.
1. List the ingredients and the amounts needed.
2. Provide a clear set of directions explaining how the ingredients are combined.
3. Determine the energy source and the results obtained if the recipe is followed properly.
C. Include diagrams and pictures to illustrate the process and the ingredients used.
D. Use your creativity by making your recipe sound appealing and delicious. Some words to use in your recipe may be: mix, add,
blend, pour, heat, wait for ___ minutes, check.
V. What plants need to manufacture food and to grow
VI. Soil and Dirt
VII. Edible Plants
VIII. Uses of Plants
IX. Garden Designs
Gardens created by 5th grade students in Oklahoma
Activities for everyone to try
Flowers, Leaves, and seeds quiz
Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds Game
EVALUATION
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Excellent diagram, neat and complete |
All parts of life cycle, good diagram |
3 parts of the life cycle, could be neater |
2 parts of the life cycle, diagram is incomplete |
1 way plants grow, no diagram |
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This diagram rocks! Excellent job. |
All parts of plant, diagram is complete |
Most plant parts, diagram is complete, could be neater |
Some plant parts missing, diagram is incomplete |
Only 2 plant parts, diagram is missing |
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Wow! This explanation for pollination is awesome. Great diagram of flower parts. |
All parts of flower are labeled, good definition of pollination. |
Most flower parts are labeled, Work is complete, yet could be neater |
Flower parts are labeled, yet this section is incomplete |
No diagram, incomplete explanation of pollination |
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Fantastic! The recipe card is very creative and completely explains photosynthesis |
Complete process is explained. Is neat & complete |
Complete process is explained partially Recipe card is not neat or clear. |
Some parts of recipe are here. Recipe is not clear. |
Recipe card is missing major parts. |
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This section is wonderful! You went above and beyond the requirements. |
All 7 things are listed, complete and neat |
Described 5-6 things, could be neater, some misspelled words |
3-4 things are listed, incomplete |
1-2 things are listed, incomplete |
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Explained the process of photosynthesis, Transpiration, sent. Are neat & complete |
Explained the process of photosynthesis, Transpiration, sent. Are neat or complete |
Explained the process of photosynthesis or transpiration, sent. Are neat and complete |
Explained the process of photosynthesis or transpiration, sent. Are neat and complete |
Attempted to describe photosynthesis, transpiration - sent. Are neat or complete |
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Explained and listed the 4 components of soil. Neat & complete. This soil section rocks! |
Very good job, explained the components of soil. |
Explained the components of soil, but is not neat |
2-3 components of soil are listed. |
Only 1 component of soil is listed. |
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Great job. Described more than 5 uses for plants. Very detailed and neat. |
Described 5 uses for plants. Neat and complete. |
Described 4 uses for plants. |
Described 2-3 uses for plants. |
Described 1 use for plants. |
GARDEN EVALUATION
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60 points |
50 points |
40 points |
30 points |
20 points |
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| This garden design is outstanding. More than 6 plants are effectively placed in a design for maximum growth. The garden is colorful and many creative techniques are used. |
This garden has all the major components. It is nicely designed. It includes 6 plants. |
This garden has less than 6 plants. The plants are not positioned in the most effective growing areas. | This garden is not complete. More thought and creativity could have been put into the garden plan. | This garden lacks a good design and has less than 3 plants. |
Journal: 40 points
Garden: 60 points
Total: 100 points
