Explore the sun in the garden, make botanical art prints and learn about alternate energy sources.
Lesson: Fun in the Sun
Level: 4th Grade
Source: The Living Lab Program at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
Standards:
- SC.4.E.6.3: Earth Structures
- SC.4.E.6.6: Earth Structures
- SC.4.L.17.3: Interdependence
- SC.4.L.17.4: Interdependence
- SC.4.N.1.1: The Practice of Science
- SC.4.N.1.4: The Practice of Science
- SC.4.N.1.6: The Practice of Science
- SC.4.P.10.1: Forms of Energy
- SC.4.N.1.7: The Practice of Science
Learning Goals:
- Students will be able define the terms solar, UV reactive, and adaptations.
- Students will be able to explain alternate energy sources
Resources for guided learning: Living Lab Solar Lab Book
Materials:
- Lab Books
- Writing Utensils
- iPads
- mini solar panels
- wheels
- craft supplies
- rubber bands
- bottles
- UV reactive Paper
- Botanical Samples
Activity 1: Students are given lab books and asked to “warm up their brain” with a Word Splash activity on the field trip topic.
Activity 2: Students form small groups and participate in a scavenger hunt around the garden searching for examples of how plants adapt to get the right amount of sun. Students take photos with iPads and record their observations in lab books.
Activity 3: Students regroup and discuss their findings.
Activity 4: Teachers lead discussion on alternate energy. Students use combination of solar panels, craft supplies, and recycled products to create and test vehicles powered by alternate energy sources.
Activity 5: Students create botanical sun art prints with UV reactive paper and botanical samples.
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