Unit Title: What Do Plants Need to Grow?
Grade Level: Kindergarten
Duration: 2 Weeks (5 Lessons)
Essential Question: What do plants need to grow, and how do they change over time?
Unit Overview
This kindergarten plant science unit helps young learners explore what plants need to grow. Through fun, hands-on activities, students plant seeds, track growth, and discover how sunlight, water, and soil impact plant life. Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL), this unit ensures every student can participate and succeed.
Standards & Learning Goals
NGSS Standard: K-LS1-1 – Use observations to describe patterns of what plants need to survive.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify what plants need to grow (water, sunlight, and soil).
- Observe and describe how plants grow over time.
- Compare how plants grow under different conditions.
- Show responsibility by caring for a plant.
- Communicate learning through drawings, writing, and conversations.
Step-by-Step Lesson Plan with UDL Strategies
First 5-Minute Hook (Engage All Learners)
- Story & Visuals: Read The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle or show a time-lapse video of a plant growing.
- Ask & Discuss: “What do you think plants need to grow?”
- Think-Pair-Share: Students talk with a partner about where they’ve seen plants grow.
Teaching & Activities (UDL: Representation + Action)
- Planting Seeds: Each student plants a seed in a cup with soil and water.
- Real Objects & Touch: Show and let students handle real seeds, plants, and soil.
- Differentiation Options:
- Sentence starters: “Plants need ___ and ___.”
- Let students draw, speak, or use objects to show what they know.
- Sentence Frames: “I noticed that my plant ____.”
Reviewing Concepts Before Assessment
- Growth Chart: Track plant changes with drawings and photos.
- Act it Out: Pretend to be a plant growing with water and sunlight.
- Small Groups: Talk with peers about what plants need.
- ELA Support: Review plant words and sentence stems.
SEL Integration (CASEL Framework)
- Self-Awareness: Talk about feelings when taking care of a plant.
- Social Skills: Work in pairs to care for classroom garden.
- Self-Management: Assign daily plant care jobs to build responsibility.
Daily Lessons Breakdown
Day 1: Introduction to Plants
Focus: What are plants, and what do they need to grow?
- Read The Tiny Seed.
- Discuss: Where do plants grow? What do they need?
- Draw a plant and label what it needs.
- Pre-assessment: Picture sort (needs vs. not needs).
Day 2: Planting Our Seeds
Focus: How do we help a seed grow?
- Plant a seed in soil and water it.
- Discuss: Why water and sunlight are important.
- Journal: Draw your seed and label it.
- Predict: What will happen in a few days?
Day 3: Observing & Comparing Growth
Focus: How do plants change over time?
- Observe plants and note changes.
- Add to class growth chart.
- Journal: Draw and describe your plant.
- Think-pair-share: Compare plants with a friend.
Day 4: Experimenting with Plant Needs
Focus: What happens without water or sunlight?
- Set up 3 plant groups:
- One with sunlight and water.
- One without water.
- One kept in the dark.
- Predict outcomes and track daily changes.
- Write or say: “Plants need ___ and ___ to grow.”
Day 5: Reflection & Presentation
Focus: What have we learned about plants?
- Present: Share your plant journal.
- Final drawing: Show your plant’s full growth cycle.
- Discuss: How do we care for plants in real life?
- Exit Ticket: “I know my plant is growing because ___.”
Assessments & Success Criteria
Students will:
- Name what plants need to grow.
- Observe and describe plant changes.
- Take care of their plant responsibly.
- Explain why sunlight and water are essential.
Cross-Curricular Extensions
- ELA: Write a short plant story with pictures and sentences.
- Math: Measure plant height using cubes or rulers.
- Art: Make a plant collage with real leaves or seeds.
- Social Studies: Talk about farms and gardens in communities.
Materials List
- Seeds (e.g., beans or sunflowers)
- Soil and small planting cups
- Water and watering tools
- A sunny spot or grow light
- The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
- Journals or notebooks
- Chart paper and drawing supplies
Conclusion
This kindergarten science unit on growing plants builds foundational science skills in a fun and engaging way. With Universal Design for Learning, all students can access the content, express their understanding, and feel proud of caring for something living. It’s the perfect blend of science, SEL, and creativity—rooted in real-life learning.
