4th Grade Grows a Garden
As part of our Seed Plant Unit, the 4th graders first studied soil – comparing and contrasting different types of soil 
and and the effects it might have on a growing plant. Students determined which soil would best provide the needs of a growing plant based on aeration, water retention, and the amount of organic matter. Afterwards, we sprouted radish seeds in cartons, completing bar graphs and sprout drawings to observe how seedlings develop and grow. In our science journals, we completed notes on the plant kingdom and the main parts of a seed plant: the roots, stem, leaf, and flower. Students studied the processes of photosynthesis, pollination, and fertilization. 
Along with our studies, we were blessed to have Miss Doris helping in our classroom. She brought leaves, stems, and flowers from her garden for the students to dissect. We identified tubes in stems, compared woody stems and green stems, completed leaf rubbings, and pealed back the sepals, plucked off the petals, removed the stamens, and revealed the pistils.
In addition, we started our own raised bed, planting peas, radishes, lettuce, and spinach, cucumbers, and squash. Parent donations along with a discount at Roots Nursery gave us the needed supplies to start our own garden. In June, we will celebrate the unit with a garden party.
Ms. Schuller, 4th grade teacher
