Measure and record the amount of water given to a plant over time.
Objectives:
Counting by tens. Column addition of metric measurements. Students describe how plants use water to grow.
Materials:
Procedure:
Choose and label a classroom plant. Show the students the full liter bottle and measure out enough to normally water the plant. Write down a journal entry of the amount measured and the date. Once or twice a week have the students find that page in their journals again and start a new line with the date and the amount poured out of the same liter bottle. When the bottle is empty ask the students to count and add the total on their page. Count by tens to find the sum. Whichever unit you used, the student's "column" on this page should be equal to one liter when the bottle actually runs out. For example, you might measure only one deciliter each time. When the tenth line is being entered the bottle should be emptying because 10 deciliters equals a liter. When the bottle is empty have the students draw a big line under the last entry all the way across the page. Have the students create a chart showing the amounts of water over the number of days. Students who are interested can take the responsibility of continuing to water the plant and record the amounts.
Close:
Review how to count by tens. Ask students to describe how the plant uses water to grow. What does the soil have to do with it? Why does the soil keep drying up?
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