NGSS Lesson Plan

Grade/ Grade Band: 3-4th grade Topic: Leaf adaptations Lesson # 3

Brief Lesson Description: In the arboretum there are different biomes in where plants adapt. In this biome education lesson, we will learn
how thick leaves and waxy coating on stems as well as leaf coloration help a plant conserve water in the biome it resides at.
Performance Expectation(s):
Modeling in 35 builds on K2 experiences and progresses to building and revising simple models and using models to represent events
and design solutions.
Develop models to describe phenomena. (3-LS1-1)

4-LS1-1.
Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior,
and reproduction. [Clarification Statement: Examples of structures could include thorns, stems, roots, colored petals, heart, stomach,
lung, brain, and skin.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to macroscopic structures within plant and animal systems.]
LS1.A: Structure and Function

Plants and animals have both internal and external structures that serve various functions in growth, survival, behavior, and
reproduction. (4-LS1-1)

Specific Learning Outcomes: By Constructing a model that shows the leaf phenomena of waxy texture/appearance and coloration helps a
plant conserve water in the biome it resides in students will be able to see how adaptation of leaves help it survive extreme climates
such as those found in deserts.
Lesson Level Narrative
When you walk around the arboretum you tend to notice that from biome to biome plants are different. But one huge characteristic that
varies throughout the biomes is the differentiating leaves. When you go to the desert biome you notice that some leaves have a waxy
coating for instance aloe Vera plans have a really odd texture to them but have you ever wondered why? Why is it that some plants have
waxy coating or are different in colors such as white? This is what we nature guides will be exploring with you today.
3rd grade: Science & Engineering Practices: Disciplinary Core Ideas: Crosscutting Concepts:
Developing and Using Models 3rd grade: Patterns
Developing and Using Models LS1.A: Structure and Function Patterns of change can be used to make
Modeling in 35 builds on K2 experiences Plants and animals have both internal and predictions.
and progresses to building and revising external structures that serve various
simple models and using models to functions in growth, survival, behavior, and 4th grade: Systems and System Models
represent events and design solutions. reproduction. A system can be described in terms of its
Develop models to describe phenomena. components and their interactions.
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Connections to Nature of Science

Scientific Knowledge is Based on Empirical

Evidence
Science findings are based on recognizing
patterns.

4th grade: Engaging in Argument from

Evidence
Engaging in argument from evidence in 35
builds on K2 experiences and progresses to
critiquing the scientific explanations or
solutions proposed by peers by citing
relevant evidence about the natural and
designed world(s).
Construct an argument with evidence, data,
and/or a model.
 Possible Preconceptions/Misconceptions:

Misconception: all leaves are the same

Fact: all leave are different depending on where they reside

Misconception: all leaves conserve water through the same way

Fact : leaves have different adaptation such as shape, color and texture that help in the conservation of water

LESSON PLAN 5-E Model

ENGAGE: Opening Activity Access Prior Learning / Stimulate Interest / Generate Questions:

Nature guide:

Hello students today we are going to be making some observations about leaves in two different biomes. These biomes will be the desert and rainforest. The purpose o

With the observation and model we will be doing today we will be seeing how adaptations occur in leaves.

With the observations made we will make a argument as to why leaves have adaptations such as waxy coating and coloration of white .

EXPLORE: Lesson Description

Students will understand how waxy coating adaptation of leaves helps it conserve water with the following demo.

Materials: two small containers, one large dry sponge, petroleum jelly
Procedures:
1. Place cup water in to each container
2. Cut the sponge into two equal halves.
3. Cover one flat side and all 4 edges of one of the sponge halves with a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
4. Place the sponge into one of the containers with the uncoated flat side down
5. Place the other sponge in to a second tub
6. Observe as the sponges absorb the water calculate the time it takes for the water to be absorbed.
7. Place the sponges in an undisturbed place and record the amount of time it takes for the sponges to dry out.
8. Compare which sponge takes the longest to dry.

Students will also learn why some leaves have white coating as well as learn why desert leaves are different in sizing from rainforest .
For this part of the lesson we will observe those leaves that have white fuzzy coating
- We will explain how white color helps in conservation of water as well as heat resistance
- We will also explain how fuzzy hair o leaves helps the plant in water conservation as well.
(asses students observations by asking questions throughout demo and exploration of biomes)
EXPLAIN: Concepts Explained :

Explanation of waxy coating demo:

How would your skin feel if you smeared it with petroleum jelly and stood in the sun for a few minutes? It would probably feel sweaty and
uncomfortable. That is because your skin is dotted with small opening called pores that allow your body to perspire. Block the pores and
water stays trapped inside your body.

Plants have small opening in their tissues called stomata. Moisture evaporates, or transpires, through a plant's stomata. Some desert plants
have an oily coating on their leaves or pads that traps moisture, thereby reducing water loss.

Explanation of white coloring:

On a hot day, would you rather be wearing a white t-shirt or a black t-shirt? You probably answered, "White t-shirt." White is a good
reflector of the sun whereas black absorbs solar heat. Many desert plants have light-colored spines, hairs, or leaves that act as heat
reflectors, though on a very small scale. Fine hairs covering the leaves of many desert plants trap moisture as well as reflect sunlight.

Explanation of fuzzy leaf texture:

Some plants might use them as a means of protection. The hairs can be stiff, and "poke" animals, or keep animals from being able to get a
good foothold to land or walk on the leaves (even if soft and fuzzy).

Some plants have hairs that have glands on the ends which can produce a sticky substance, or chemicals animals don't like.

Some hairs might act as a type of "insulation" to trap a layer of air next to the plant so that air temperature doesn't change too rapidly.

Some hairs are actually capable of focusing the light onto areas of the leaf for photosynthesis.

ELABORATE: Applications and Extensions:

For this lesson nature guides can extend leaf adaptation lesson by observing leaf size, the makeup of a leaf and also how leaves absorb
water .

EVALUATE:

Formative Monitoring (Questioning / Discussion):

- What is a leaf
- How does it absorb water
- Why does it have a waxy coating
- Is there a size difference between the rainforest leaves and desert leaves
Citation:

http://mojavedesert.net/plants/plant-adaptations.html