Creator: Missouri Botanical Garden | visit site
Grade Range: K - 3
This simple site, generously illustrated with videos, explains the basics of plant life to elementary students, including information on how seeds germinate, plant parts, photosynthesis, pollination, seed dispersal, and plant adaptations. Terms are defined in clear sidebars, and text is well-illustrated in the silent video clips. Watch a seed germinate in time lapse or seeds blow into the wind. The videos require Quicktime. Get it from the <a href="/tools.cfm ">TeachersFirst Toolbox page.</a>
In the Classroom
The reading level for the simple text on this site is mid-elementary, so many students will be able to navigate it on their own or with a reading buddy. Introduce the site on your projector or interactive whiteboard. If your projector can zoom into the videos, you can share them in large groups. You can also have students explore the site as a science center or for review/reinforcement of plant terminology. Have students or small groups make their own illustrated plant life cycles on paper, PowerPoint slides, or in an interactive book using a tool such as Bookemon, <a href="/single.cfm?id=10404">reviewed here</a>.
At Home
As you plant your family garden or look at the spring plants on your street, watch the plant videos on this site as talk about what makes them grow.
Tags
earth, earth day, photosynthesis, plants, earth, photosynthesis, plants,