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Garden Variables: Exploring Plant Growth Through Math
Grade 6Math5 days
★★★★★
5.0 (1 rating)Mathematical VariablesPlant GrowthEnvironmental FactorsEquationsGraph AnalysisData InterpretationPredictive Modelling
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Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use mathematical variables and equations to investigate and predict the impact of environmental factors on plant growth in a school garden?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do variables in mathematics help in understanding real-world phenomena like plant growth?
- What are the different variables that affect plant growth and how can we measure them precisely using mathematical concepts?
- In what ways do changes in environmental factors influence the growth of a garden, and how can we represent these changes using graphs and equations?
- How can we use mathematical equations to predict changes in plant growth based on varying environmental conditions?
- What role do constants and variables play in the growth equations of plants, and how can we balance them for optimal plant growth?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will understand how to use mathematical variables and equations to model real-world scenarios, specifically plant growth.
- Students will learn to identify and measure different environmental variables that affect plant growth.
- Students will be able to analyze and interpret data using graphs and tables to understand relationships between variables.
- Students will predict plant growth outcomes based on changes in environmental conditions using mathematical equations.
- Students will describe the role of constants and variables in mathematical models and how they are applied to optimize plant growth.
Common Core Standards
6.EE.C.9
Primary
Use variables to represent two quantities in a real-world problem that change in relationship to one another; write an equation to express one quantity, thought of as the dependent variable, in terms of the other quantity, thought of as the independent variable. Analyze the relationship between the dependent and independent variables using graphs and tables, and relate these to the equation.Reason: The project focuses on using mathematical variables and equations to understand plant growth, which directly involves representing quantities that change in a real-world context.
6.EE.B.6
Primary
Use variables to represent numbers and write expressions when solving a real-world or mathematical problem; understand that a variable can represent an unknown number, or, depending on the purpose at hand, any number in a specified set.Reason: Understanding and using variables to represent numbers aligns with the project's need to use mathematical models for predicting plant growth under different conditions.
Next Generation Science Standards
MS-LS1-5
Secondary
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.Reason: The project's exploration of environmental factors affecting plant growth is aligned with understanding how these factors influence biological processes.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Mystery Seed Challenge
Students receive a sealed packet containing mystery seeds. Their task is to design experiments to uncover factors that might affect the growth of these seeds. This taps into students' natural curiosity about life science and opens pathways for discussions on variables in growth conditions.📚
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
Variable Discovery Garden
Students will explore and identify different environmental factors that could be potential variables affecting plant growth in the garden. This sets the foundation for understanding how variables work in real-world contexts, aligning with standards on using variables to represent quantities.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Begin by observing the garden or any small sample plant growth area set up in the classroom.
2. Make a list of factors that might affect plant growth (e.g., sunlight, water, soil type, temperature, etc.).
3. Discuss each factor and brainstorm how these can be measured and quantified, defining them as potential variables.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA list of identified variables affecting plant growth, with a brief explanation of how each can be measured.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standards6.EE.B.6 Use variables to represent numbers and write expressions when solving a real-world problem.Activity 2
Equation Creation Station
Students create mathematical equations representing how one variable affects plant growth, further exploring the relationship between dependent and independent variables. This activity focuses on constructing equations, introducing the measurement of variables, and beginning data collection.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Take one of the identified variables, such as sunlight, and propose how it directly impacts plant height over time.
2. Translate this relationship into a simple mathematical equation using the identified variable as the independent variable (e.g., height = k * sunlight, where k is a constant).
3. Use a data table to collect sample data over a week to see initial relationships.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA basic mathematical equation linking an independent variable to plant growth, supported by initial data.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standards6.EE.C.9 Use variables to represent two quantities in a real-world problem that change in relationship to one another; analyze using equations.Activity 3
Graph it Out!
After forming equations, students learn how to plot these relationships on graph paper. The visualization helps them see how variables interact graphically, aligning with understanding of relationships between dependent and independent variables using graphs.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Take collected data from the Equation Creation Station and input the values into a graph.
2. Draw the axes carefully and label them with appropriate titles: time, sunlight, plant height, etc.
3. Plot the data points and draw a line of best fit to showcase the relationship visually.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed graph showing the relationship between environmental variables such as sunlight and plant growth.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standards6.EE.C.9 Analyze the relationship between the dependent and independent variables using graphs.Activity 4
Predictive Plant Growth
Students will use their equations and graphs to make predictions about future plant growth under different conditions. This reinforces their understanding of how variables and constants interact in mathematical models, fulfilling the standard of using equations to predict outcomes.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Review graphs and equations previously created.
2. Consider various hypothetical scenarios, such as increased sunlight or reduced water, and predict the impact on plant growth using equations.
3. Record predictions and compare with actual observations over the next few weeks.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA set of predictions about plant growth and an analysis comparing predicted results to actual data collected.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standards6.EE.C.9 Write equations to express relationships and use them in predictions.Activity 5
Balancing Act: Constants and Variables
Finally, students discuss the significance of constants within their equations, understanding how they impact model accuracy and balance how constants and variables work together to optimize plant growth scenarios.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Review equations and identify constants (e.g., growth rate) previously used in models.
2. Analyze how changing these constants affects the overall model accuracy and predictions.
3. Engage in a discussion about the balance and role of constants and variables in real-world gardening and growth scenarios.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflective report discussing the role of constants and variables in optimizing plant growth based on experiment results.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standards6.EE.B.6 Understand that a variable can represent any number and discuss the role of constants in equations.🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioGarden Growth Variable Exploration Rubric
Category 1
Understanding Variables and Equations
Evaluates the student's ability to understand and use variables and equations to represent and solve real-world problems involving plant growth.Criterion 1
Identification of Variables
Student's ability to identify and list potential variables affecting plant growth and describe how they can be measured.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and lists a comprehensive set of variables affecting plant growth with clear, measurable descriptions for each.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and lists most key variables affecting plant growth with measurable descriptions for most.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some variables affecting plant growth with partial or unclear measurements.
Beginning
1 PointsIdentifies few variables with little or no explanation of measurement.
Criterion 2
Equation Creation
Student's ability to create mathematical equations that represent relationships between variables affecting plant growth.
Exemplary
4 PointsConstructs clear, accurate equations representing complex relationships between multiple plant growth variables.
Proficient
3 PointsConstructs accurate equations for most relationships between plant growth variables.
Developing
2 PointsConstructs equations with some inaccuracies or incomplete representation of relationships.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to construct equations or demonstrate the relationship between variables.
Category 2
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Assesses the student's ability to analyze and interpret data related to plant growth using graphs and tables.Criterion 1
Graphing and Data Representation
Student's skill in graphing data points, creating lines of best fit, and accurately labeling graphs.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates precise, well-labeled graphs with accurately plotted data points and insightful lines of best fit.
Proficient
3 PointsProduces accurately plotted data on mostly well-labeled graphs with reasonable lines of best fit.
Developing
2 PointsProduces graphs with some plot or labeling inaccuracies; lines of best fit are not well executed.
Beginning
1 PointsGraphs are poorly constructed with many errors in data plotting and labeling.
Criterion 2
Data Interpretation
Ability to interpret and draw conclusions from graphed data reflecting plant growth under various conditions.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides comprehensive, accurate analysis and insightful conclusions from data.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers clear analysis and reasonable conclusions drawn from graphed data.
Developing
2 PointsProvides partial or unclear conclusions with some data interpretation errors.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to draw conclusions or interpret data accurately.
Category 3
Predictive Analysis and Model Evaluation
Evaluates student's ability to use equations and models to predict plant growth outcomes and analyze model accuracy.Criterion 1
Prediction Accuracy
Student's skill in predicting plant growth outcomes using constructed models.
Exemplary
4 PointsPredicts plant growth with high accuracy using sophisticated, well-constructed models.
Proficient
3 PointsPredicts plant growth accurately for most scenarios, using adequately constructed models.
Developing
2 PointsMakes predictions with occasional inaccuracies or incomplete model constructions.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles with forming accurate predictions due to poorly constructed models.
Criterion 2
Model Evaluation
Ability to critically evaluate the role of constants and variables in models and discuss model accuracy.
Exemplary
4 PointsOffers insightful evaluation of constant and variable roles, demonstrating deep understanding of model dynamics.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear evaluation of model accuracy and roles of constants and variables.
Developing
2 PointsEvaluates models with some missteps or less complete understanding of roles.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates limited evaluation skills with significant gaps in understanding model operations.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
Reflect on how using mathematical variables and equations helped you understand plant growth in the garden project.
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Required
Question 2
On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident do you feel about using variables and equations to model real-world phenomena after completing this project?
Scale
Required
Question 3
What environmental variable do you think had the most significant impact on plant growth, and why?
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Required
Question 4
How did creating and analyzing graphs enhance your understanding of the relationship between variables in plant growth?
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Optional
Question 5
Which activity (e.g., Variable Discovery Garden, Equation Creation Station) did you find most engaging, and why?
Multiple choice
Optional
Options
Variable Discovery Garden
Equation Creation Station
Graph it Out!
Predictive Plant Growth
Balancing Act: Constants and Variables