PhD Science Texas - Level 2 Module 3 - Extension Activities

TEXAS

Extension Activities

Level 2 Module 3

Lesson 10 Extension | Plants

Students explore the importance of pollinators by visiting the US Forest Service’s Animal Pollination web page (http://phdsci.link/1644). Have students work individually or in groups to use the website to investigate different animal pollinators.

PREPARATION

Provide students with computers or tablets to access the US Forest Service’s Animal Pollination web page.

Distribute and read aloud the following procedure sheet to students

Investigate Pollinators

1. Use the web page to explore different animal pollinators.

2. Choose one animal pollinator to investigate.

3. Record information about the pollinator.

4. Share your information with another student.

Lesson 17 Extension | Plants

Explain to students that the pollination tool designed by Dr. Miyako and his team is preloaded with pollen. Have students work in groups to test how successful their pollination tool is when the tool is preloaded with baking soda. Students compare their results from this modified procedure to their original testing results to see which method transfers more pollen.

PREPARATION

Provide each group with their pollination tool, baking soda, construction paper square, and pollination tool transfer picture key.

Distribute and read aloud the following procedure sheet to students.

Test Preloaded Pollination Tool

1. Place baking soda on your pollination tool. The baking soda represents pollen.

2. Transfer pollen to the construction paper square. Observe how much pollen transfers.

3. Use the picture key to identify how much pollen transfers (little, some, or lots).

4. Compare the results of the preloaded pollination tool to your original pollination tool.

5. Share your results with the class.

Lesson 20 Extension | Plants

Show students a photograph of huckleberry plant flowers. Have students work in groups to draw the flower and label how they think the plant is pollinated. Then groups place the drawing in front of the first card in their huckleberry seed movement model.

PREPARATION

Prepare an image of a huckleberry plant flower for groups to observe. Ensure that students have access to their seed movement model cards.

Distribute and read aloud the following procedure sheet to students.

Model Pollination

1. Look at the picture of the huckleberry plant flower.

2. How do you think the plant is pollinated? Discuss with your group.

3. Draw and label a picture that shows how you think the huckleberr y plant is pollinated.

4. Place your drawing in front of the first card in your model.

5. Explain to another student how huckleberry plants are pollinated. Then explain how the huckleberry seeds move.

As a class, students vote to research or investigate one unexplored question or related phenomenon from the module. Students work in groups to perform research or carry out a simple investigation. Then students present their findings to the class.

PREPARATION

Prepare a list of unexplored questions and related phenomena from the module. As necessary, curate

resources for student research or provide materials and a procedure for a simple, teacher-designed investigation. Prepare to review safety measures with students if necessary.

Write the appropriate activity name and procedure on a whiteboard or a sheet of chart paper, and read aloud.

Research a Science Topic

1. Research the topic.

2. Get ready to share what you learned.

3. Share what you learned with the class. Carry Out an Investigation

1. Gather materials.

2. Carry out the investigation. Follow all safety rules.

3. Share what you learned with the class.

Lesson 3 Extension | Living Things and Their Environments

Take students outside to observe birds in the schoolyard. Have students work in groups to describe the birds’ body parts and behaviors. Encourage students to relate their observations to how the birds meet their needs for survival in the local environment.

PREPARATION

Choose a safe place for students to observe birds. Distribute and read aloud the following procedure sheet to students.

Observe a Bird

1. With the class, walk around the schoolyard.

2. Pick a bird to observe.

3. Draw and label the body parts of the bird.

4. Describe how the bird’s behaviors help it meet its needs for survival.

Lesson 8 Extension | Living Things and Their Environments

Have students go to the library or use the internet to research and learn more about the animals on their card and how being in a group helps the animals.

PREPARATION

Provide students with computers or tablets to access websites about their animals.

Distribute and read aloud the following procedure sheet to students.

Learn About Animals

1. Look for information about the animals on your card.

2. Find out information about how being in a group helps the animals.

3. Record information about your animals.

4. Share your information with another student.