English Teacher Marie Snyman
The life cycle of a plant is a fascinating journey with different stages, each playing a crucial role in the overall growth and development. From seed germination to maturity, plants undergo a series of distinct phases that are influenced by environmental factors, including the type of soil in which they are planted. And our grade 2 students got to experience all of this during out Plant Life Project.
The life cycle begins with the germination of a seed. In class the students got to germinate seeds collaboratively in groups. Checking on them every day. They all knew that winter was coming and were wondering if they would ever germinate. And to their surprise, they did!
The type of soil in which a plant is grown significantly impacts its growth and development. There are several types of soil, each with distinct characteristics and suitability for different plants. Sandy soil, for example, has large particles and drains quickly. On the other hand, clay soil has small particles and retains water, making it suitable for plants that require moisture. Loamy soil, we called it potting soil, is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, and is considered ideal for most plants. It provides good drainage, retains moisture, and offers essential nutrients. This type of soil supports a wide variety of plant life and is often preferred in gardening. In class, the students got to take a much closer look at these three types of soil. They compared and contrasted the soils and made a decision on which type of soil they would use for their seeds. And of course most of them went with potting soil…so smart!
During this project, the students got to do some research out of the classroom. They went to the garden by the playground and to the hydroponic garden and saw what we have learned and talked about in class. They saw mulch on the soil under some of the trees, they saw that some trees that grow in direct sunlight look better than the ones growing in the shade of the building. In the hydroponic garden they saw soaker hoses and remembered that plants prefer baths and not showers, that is why soaker hoses are great for plants.
Understanding the life cycle of a plant and the characteristics of different types of soil is important for successful gardening. It allows gardeners to make good decisions about planting and caring for a garden. During this project the students got to experience this first hand and all of them will one day make excellent gardeners.