Plants in Lower Elementary Science

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Learning about plants is part of the lower elementary (K-3) NGSS science standards. In lower elementary grades, the NGSS incorporates the study of plants primarily through the core life science idea of "From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes." The approach is hands-on and developmental, focusing on the needs, structures, and life cycles of plants. The learning progresses through the grades. Kindergarten (K-LS1-1): Students learn that plants, like all living things, have basic needs. Through simple investigations like growing seeds, they observe that plants need water and light to survive and grow. They also use observations to describe how plants are similar to and different from animals. First Grade (1-LS1-1 and 1-LS3-1): The focus shifts to plant structures and their functions. Students learn that plants have parts that help them survive and grow. For example, roots take in water, leaves collect light, and stems provide support. They may also observe that young plants look similar to their parent plants, introducing the concept of inheritance. Second Grade (2-LS2-1 and 2): Students explore how plants depend on animals and the environment. They investigate how insects and other animals help in pollination and how animals can help disperse seeds. This introduces the concept of ecosystems and interdependence. Third Grade (3-LS1-1): Students synthesize their knowledge by studying the life cycle of plants. They model and describe the stages of a plant's life, from seed to mature plant that produces its own seeds, demonstrating a complete cycle. Throughout K-3, studying plants provides a concrete way for students to understand core biological principles like survival, growth, and reproduction.

www.studenthandouts.com ↣ Science ↣ Lower Elementary ↣ Plants