Mississippi Science L.1.3A

L.1.3A is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.

• L.1.3A.1

  Conduct structured investigations to make and test predictions about what plants need to live, grow, and repair including water, nutrients, sunlight, and space....

01

What Students Need to Do

Students predict how water, sunlight, nutrients, and space affect plants. They test one need at a time and record what happens. They compare results and explain what helps plants grow new parts after damage.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student sets up two seedlings with the same soil and light, but waters only one. They record changes over several days and use their observations to explain the difference. They can name other needs that support growth, including nutrients and room for roots.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may think soil is a plant’s food, rather than a source of nutrients. They may change water and light at the same time, then claim to know which caused the result. Some expect a torn leaf to heal like a cut on skin.

04

How to Assess It

Show two seedlings grown in the same soil with the same water, one by a window and one in a dark box. Ask: “Which need was tested? What would you look for to tell whether it mattered?”

1. 01

   Plant seeds in two clear cups of soil; water one cup, leave the other dry, and draw both seedlings each day.

2. 02

   Show photos of two seedlings grown with the same water, one in light and one in darkness; ask students to explain the difference.

3. 03

   Give pairs cards showing drooping, pale, and crowded seedlings; have them match each card to a need and explain their choice.

4. 04

   Read the spacing directions on a seed packet, then mark where each seed would go in a classroom planter.

• L.K.3A

  Students will demonstrate an understanding of what animals and plants need to live and grow.

• L.1.1

  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic needs and structures of plants.

• L.1.4

  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the ways plants adapt to their environment in order to survive.

• L.3.1

  Students will demonstrate an understanding of internal and external structures in plants and animals and how they relate to their growth, survival, behavior, an...