All living things have unique features that help them survive.  For example, polar bears have thick fur to keep them warm, some animals have camouflage to blend in their environment to avoid predators, and others have features like strong tails to defend themselves from predators.

Plants are no exception.  They have a myriad number of features that help them survive, too.  Whether it be spines for protection or to create shade, or big leaves to collect more sunlight to produce food, plants have adaptations just like animals.  

After learning about all these different adaptations, first graders are being challenged to design a plant with as many adaptations as possible to survive.  Check out their plant designs in progress below!

So while first graders know about plant parts and their jobs, they need to gather evidence to support their thinking.  Students have seen the importance of flowers and fruit, and now they're moving on to the specific jobs that stems and leaves do!

We placed two plants in a box, and watched them for over a week.  Both boxes had lids, but one box had a hole in it and the other did not.

• The plant that was in a box with a lid and no holes DIED.
  
• The plant that was in a box with a lid and a hold SURVIVED...and grew TOWARDS the hole!
  

First graders concluded that plants definitely need light and air to grow, but that the leaves and stem specifically respond to where the source of light is coming from.  They work together to hold up the plant and help the plant collect light to make its own food.  Awesome job first graders!