3 rd Grade Field Investigation Soil Temperature Supports STC kit- Plant Growth and Development

Collect and Draw Seeds

Compare Wisconsin Fast Plants with Plants Outdoors Sample Chart of Plant Needs for Growth Plant NeedHow Fast Plants needs are met in the classroom How outside plants get their needs met WaterWater system supplies water constantly Rain or people watering AirAir in classroomAir outside Mineral nutrientsMineral nutrients in soil or fertilizer Mineral nutrients in the soil LightLight energy from light system Light energy from the sun HeatThe room is heated that the plants are in. Light energy from the sun changes to heat in the air or ground SpacePlants were thinnedSome plants die out to make room for others CO2

Compare where plants get Space and Heat Space Heat

Minimum Soil Temperatures for Sprouting 70° F Lima Beans 32° F Spinach

Focus Question: Which location would allow seeds to sprout earliest in the spring?

Investigation Question: Which location the north side or the south side of the building has the highest soil temperature 5 cm below the surface?

Investigation Practice measuring soil temperature Prediction Description of study site Compare 2 locations (changed variable) Measure and record soil temperature (measured variable) Measure soil temperature 5 cm into ground, wait 1 minute, read thermometer while in ground (kept the same variables) Multiple trials

Analyze Data Finding Median or Mode Individually Individually Class Class North Location Soil Temperatures ° F South Location Soil Temperatures ° F

Writing Conclusions Answer the investigative question (use words from the question) Support your answer with qualitative data (less, more) and quantitative data (median/mode temperatures) Tell whether or not the data support your prediction. If not, how has your thinking changed?

Conclusions

Reflections and Extensions

Pre and Post Tests Averages 3 rd Grade Soil Temperature Investigation Note: Data from 47 students from Seattle School District