Building Sprout Houses and Transplanting to their own pots to take home

The scientific approach was used in sprouting the three seed types about 13 days ago. But it was the great resourcefulness of Ms. Angie that found these little green houses at a second hand store. Both Mr. Collins and I got some and thank you for her thinking because each student had one to use. It really made a difference in their engagement.
 Each student put together their own house following directions. Everyone did great and over all the class took about a half hour.
They showed patience
and perseverance. No plastic parts were broken and no tears. Really positive struggle because the atmosphere was cooperative and supportive. We talked that the experience should be good for all and everyone can do this.

The plastic pieces were hard to figure out. 

Then planting of the seeds-- 3 sunflower, 5 sensitive, and 3 mung. Watered and the waiting began. In three days, sprouting started! Everyone was sooooo excited!

Carefully watering

We did some figuring about how much soil and water to use. The kids planned their own schedule.

Lots of thinking, careful assembly

Checking to make sure amount is correct when water after adding soil.

Data was collected on which seeds sprouted first, and grew fastest. The kids determined how much water would be given in 5 mL increments either everyday or every other day. There was a handout we have been reading about cells- plant and animal, a plant book about parts and how seeds adapt.
Since we started the year thinking about adaptation-- form and function--that is how contextually the year's content is coming to a close. So thinking about roots, why plants reach for the sun, the leaves and the shape and hardness and age of seeds.