We are beginning our first science unit, Biodiversity and Ecosystems. In this unit, students will explore how plants interact with their environments, what plants need to grow and survive, how seeds travel to new places, and how the variety of living things differs across habitats.

Throughout the unit, we will investigate the phenomenon of a superbloom in Death Valley. Students will wonder how thousands of flowers can suddenly appear in one of the hottest and driest places on Earth. As we learn more about seeds, plant needs, and habitats, students will gather evidence and revise their ideas to explain how a superbloom can happen.

Students will participate in several hands-on investigations. They will build and test models to discover how seeds can travel by wind, water, and animals; investigate whether plants need water and sunlight to grow; explore how different plants have different needs depending on their environments; and collect and compare data about the diversity of plants and animals found in different habitats.

Learning Targets for This Unit:

• I can describe different ways seeds travel to new places.
• I can create and use models to explain how seeds are dispersed.
• I can plan and carry out an investigation to determine what plants need to grow.
• I can explain why different plants need different amounts of water and sunlight.
• I can compare habitats and describe the diversity of living things found in them.
• I can use evidence from our investigations to explain how a superbloom can happen.

Ways to Support Science at Home:

Go on a seed safari: Look for seeds outside and talk about how their shapes or structures might help them travel by wind, water, or animals.

Observe plants: Notice where different plants are growing and discuss how much sunlight and water they might need.

Explore habitats: Look for different habitats around your neighborhood, such as gardens, grassy areas, trees, or ponds. Compare the plants and animals you find in each one.

Grow something together: Plant a seed or care for a houseplant and encourage your child to observe what it needs to grow and stay healthy.