This lesson introduces students to the world of plants. It explores the various uses of plants; their composition and life cycle. Students are made aware of how and why plants are an integral part of the environmental balance of our planet.

"Setting the Stage" - Before starting the program, ask the students: Do you know what a plant is? Do you have a favorite plant? What does it look like? Do you have plants in your home? Do you feed and water them? Why?

"Introduction to the Science of Life"
On the Learning Station, this lesson is introduced to the class through the story of Sam and Samantha Bear. In a comical fashion, Sam appears in a variety of plant costumes - complete with all the appropriate parts After viewing the many different kinds of plant costumes Sam models for his friend Samantha, students discuss what they saw, which plant costumes they liked best and why. This exercise assists students in plant recognition, and provides information on items produced by different plants, i.e., acorns apples and seeds.

"The Importance of Plants"
The story continues: Sam has decided to become a botanist. He defines the word 'botanist' and explains how he will be working with plants. He then describes how many different kinds of plants there are and how plants are an integral part of our earth's environment.
Hands-on activity - Using the preprinted worksheet, students match plant items with the products they provide, i.e. wood - houses, grain - cereal. Note: Some of these matches may be difficult for younger students. Encourage full class participation.

"Trees"
Sam and Samantha use the FasTrack Life Science Explorer Vehicle to take an imaginary trip on the Learning Station. They are going to explore the inside of plants! Later on this trip, students are introduced to the names of the two kinds of trees which grow on our earth - evergreen and deciduous. A summary of trees provides descriptive information about each of these tree types. Class discussion is encouraged: What are the differences between the two kinds of trees? What animals live in trees? What kinds of trees grown near where you live?

"The Parts of a Plant - Roots"
Continuing in the Life Science Explorer, Sam and Samantha introduce the students to 3 things all plans have in common - roots, stem and leaves. Using a 'shrink' button on the Learning Station, students then take a 'journey' into the root system of a beet plant. By studying an accompanying diagram on the Learning Station, students are shown what plant roots look like and what they do - absorb food and water.
Hands-on activity - Using a real plant, examine the root structure. Encourage the students to feel and smell the plant's roots. Discuss what they would do to keep the plant alive.
Optional activity - Place root cuttings of a fast-growing plant (potatoes or philodendrons work well) into glasses of water. Have the students examine the root growth and monitor it over days and/or weeks, if possible.

"The Parts of a Plant - The Stem"
Continuing on their journey inside the plant, Sam and Samantha travel up through the plant stem. The presence of and the plant's need for water is explored.
Optional activity - The students are asked what would happen if a plant did not receive water. If possible, provide 2 small plants of the same type. Ahead of time, stop watering one of the plants. Have the students examine the plants and discuss the differences between a plant that has received water and one that has not.
Hands-on experiment - To illustrate the way water travels up a plant stem, use a white carnation or celery stalk placed in a glass of bright food coloring (red is most effective). The dye will change the color of the plant as it travels up the stem and change the color of the flower.
NOTE: This experiment is much more effective if an example is prepared a few days ahead of class. Also, let the carnation dry out a bit, then use warm water in this illustration to encourage faster results.
Optional activity - This experiment can also be conducted by carefully slicing the stem up the middle, then putting one half into one color dye and the other half in another color. The results are a two-colored flower! Encourage student discussion around what is happening to the stems and flowers, and why?

"The Parts of a Plant - The Leaves"
Sam and Samantha now explore the third part of the plant as they travel through the leaves. The concept of 'photosynthesis' is introduced and defined. Using the touch-screen on the Learning Station, students activate the sun's rays to help the plant grow. They then activate a watering can to water the plant and watch it grow. Talk about the variety of leaves that grow on plants. How are they alike? How are they different? What purpose do they serve?

"Seeds"
Seeds are now introduced and it is explained that, although seeds come in different sizes and shapes, they all do the same job - grow into plants!
Optional activity - Supply a selection of seeds for students to examine - tiny grass seed, avocado pit, apple seeds, pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds, etc. Pollination is introduced through a cartoon garden with bees, bats, rabbits, birds and wind - all providing the means for pollination.
Hands-on activity - Using the 2 preprinted pictures supplied on the disk, students color their garden and cut out the animals or insects that they think help pollinate the garden.
Videotaping activity - After they have completed their artwork, students give presentations describing the garden, what creatures are in it and how they play a role in the pollination process. Encourage clear speaking voices and full sentences.

"How Flowers Grow"
Students are presented a time-lapse video of flowers as they bloom. The teacher may want to explain the concept of time-lapse images.

"Plant Experiment"
Hands-on activity - Students now perform a seed germination experiment. Using wet paper towels and seeds, 'plant' fast-growing seeds, such as beans, between the wet paper towels. Explain to students that these must be kept moist, in a warm, sunny location, and checked on every day. In a few days, their seeds should sprout! If available, these can then be planted in dirt instead of the paper towels.
Optional activity - As an additional activity, provide a box, small cups, or egg cartons with dirt or potting soil. Plant individual seeds in these containers (egg cartons work well for this as they have separate compartments for each student) and water. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to create greenhouse effect. (Teacher may want to explain what a greenhouse is and its purpose.) Students then monitor their plants' growth.

"Spencer Bunny and the Birthday Present"
This short story is about a cartoon character named Spencer Bunny who wants to buy his mother a special gift - a plant! This simple story introduces the students to a variety of different plants; large palms, prickly cacti, the unusual Venus flytrap and thorned roses. Spencer decides a lovely pot of daisies would be the perfect gift for his mother. To finish the lesson, use the preprinted handout of Spencer Bunny to color and take home.

Before Students Go Home - Review
What are the 3 main parts of a plant?
What happens to plants if they are not watered?
Why do we need plants?
How does a plant 'drink' water?
Evergreen - deciduous - what do they mean?
Pollination - what does it mean? How does it happen?
Talk about their planted seeds and what they expect to happen.

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Discovered" - parents handout
Preprinted handout of plants and products derived from them (matching activity worksheet)
Preprinted handout (2) of garden and garden creatures for pollination
Live plant with roots to examine root structure 2 similar live plants - withhold water from one
White carnation or celery stalk, cups of water, food coloring or dye
Wet paper towels, seeds or beans
Preprinted handout of Spencer Bunny (to take home)
(optional - small containers of potting soil and seeds to create greenhouse garden, plastic wrap)
(optional - various seeds for students to examine)
(optional - cuttings in water in various stages of root growth)
Videotape