1. STC Plant Growth and Development Lesson 12: Observing Pods Kennewick School District

2. STC Plant Growth and Development Lesson 12: Observing Pods
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Overview
In nature, everything has its time and place. The flower petals attract bees, allowing pollination to take place. Now the flower will wither and die, and the seeds will develop. In this lesson, students will observe this miraculous process.

3. STC Plant Growth and Development Lesson 12: Observing Pods
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Lesson Objectives
Students observe the development of the fertilized pods between Day 17 and Day 35.
Students record their observations by drawing, writing, and graphing.

4. STC Plant Growth and Development Lesson 12: Observing Pods
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Background
Soon after pollination and fertilization, the flower will begin to change. The petals fade, wither, and fall. The ovules, or eggs, inside the ovary are developing into seeds. The pods, which are actually enlarged ovaries, grow and swell. The process continues until about Day 36, when the plant is removed from the watering system so that the pods can dry and ripen.
During this time, there will be very little upward growth because the plant is expending its energy on seed production. Continued measurements will confirm this for students.
Plan on having students observe and record pod growth on about Days 17, 24, and 31.

5. Materials list For each student: Student notebook
STC Plant Growth and Development Lesson 12: Observing Pods
Materials list
For each student:
Student notebook
Plant with pods developing
1 sheet centimeter graph paper
1 toothpick
For every two students:
1 hand lens
1 pair of forceps (optional)

6. Observe your plants with the hand lens. Look closely at the flowers.
STC Plant Growth and Development Lesson 12: Observing Pods
Observe your plants with the hand lens. Look closely at the flowers.

7. What changes did you observe?
STC Plant Growth and Development Lesson 12: Observing Pods
What changes did you observe?
What is happening to the petals?
What has happened to the anthers?
How does the pistil look now?

8. Age of your plant in days The height of your plant
STC Plant Growth and Development Lesson 12: Observing Pods
Draw your plant in your science notebook (right-hand side). Be sure to include the following information:
Today’s date
Age of your plant in days
The height of your plant
Label the parts of your plant
Sentences describing your observations

9. STC Plant Growth and Development Lesson 12: Observing Pods
Continue making observations of your plant at least once each week until Day 35.

10. Add further observations to your science notebook.
STC Plant Growth and Development Lesson 12: Observing Pods
What different stages of development can you see on the same plant at the same time?
Figure 12-1 Brassica Pods
Life Cycle Card 8
Life Cycle Card 9
Add further observations to your science notebook.

11. Clean up and put all supplies where they belong.
STC Plant Growth and Development Lesson 12: Observing Pods
Clean up and put all supplies where they belong.

12. Update your Table of Contents
STC Plant Growth and Development Lesson 12: Observing Pods
Update your Table of Contents

13. STC Plant Growth and Development Lesson 12: Observing Pods
Add this vocabulary word and its meaning to your glossary.
pod
The part of a plant that surrounds the seeds. When the seeds ripen, the pod
splits open.