The following PlantingScience investigations themes fit into the Grade 8 Ontario Science Curriculum under the “Understanding Life Systems: Cells” section (pp. 140 – 142):

The Wonder of Seeds

Corn Competition

Celery Challenge

Where does Pollen come from?

 

All three overall expectations (p. 140) can be covered in any of the four themes suitable for grade 8 students.

 

1. Students have the opportunity to assess the impact of cell biology on individuals, society, and the environment.
2. Students can investigate functions and processes of plant cells.
3. Students can gain an understanding of the basic structure and function of plant cells and cell processes.

 

Specific expectations (Grade 8):

 

PlantingScience investigation themes can meet specific expectations (pp. 141-142) of the Grade 8 Ontario Science Curriculum in the following ways:

 

1. Relating Science and Technology to Society and the Environment

1.1. Students can study many aspects of the plants under the microscope, including using various dyes (*Seeds, Corn, Pollen, Celery).

1.2. Various seeds/plants can aid in the discussion of agricultural importance and the importance of plants on our planet (Seeds, Corn, Pollen).

2. Developing Investigation and Communication Skills
2.1-2.3. Students can learn to use microscopes and prepare their slides from the plant material (Seeds, Corn, Pollen, Celery). 

2.4. Osmosis and diffusion can be investigated (Celery).

2.5. Students can learn to use appropriate vocabulary during their discussions with the scientist mentors (any PlantingScience Investigation Theme).

2.6. Students practice their communication skills via oral formats in in-class discussions, but also using written formats (with the mentors) and graphic formats when presenting their results/conclusions (with their classmates and also the mentors) (any PlantingScience Investigation Theme).

3. Understanding Basic Concepts

3.1. Students learn about the basic unit of life and cell theory (Seeds, Celery).

3.2-3.3. Students can learn to identify different structures within plant cells and learn about their functions (Seeds, Corn, Pollen, Celery).

3.4. Students can study diffusion and osmosis (Celery).

3.5. Students can learn about unicellular algae* and how different or similar they are to other plants investigated (Seeds, Corn, Pollen, Celery). *Although this is not specifically a part of the investigation themes, we can provide more information for the teachers, if requested.

3.6. Students learn how plants are organized into tissues, organs, and systems (Seeds, Corn, Pollen, Celery).

 

[*Seeds – The Wonder of Seeds. Corn – Corn Competition. Pollen – Where does Pollen come from? Celery – Celery Challenge.]

 

Julia Nowak: pscanada@plantingscience.org

Updated: 24 June 2015