Shirley Hatcher - Daniel Hale Williams
Watermelon Graphing
Shirley Hatcher Daniel Hale Williams
2710 South Dearborn
CHICAGO IL 60616
(773) 534-9226
Objective(s):
To familiarize primary students with graphing using a bar graph. Identify
the parts of watermelon seeds and other seeds. Increase the students
vocabulary by using the proper names and common names which refer to the parts
of the seeds. To understand further the functions of parts of the seed.
Materials Needed:
Graphing paper, butcher paper, pencils, markers, index cards, and whole
watermelon and various seeds (peanuts, lima beans, broad beans, etc.)
Strategy
The teacher will slice a whole watermelon. Then the teacher will divide the
students into four groups. Then students will, in aggregate, eat the whole
watermelon and estimate how many seeds are in the watermelon. Next the
students will get into four groups and count the seeds and calculate the total
number of seeds in the entire watermelon. The teacher will cut open a
watermelon seed as well as other types of seeds. Other useful seeds are lima
bean, peanut, and broad bean. The parts of the seed, which is an embryonic
plant, will then be observed, both with the naked eye and with the aid of
magnifying glasses. These parts are the hypocotyl, the embryonic stem; the
epicotyl, the embryonic leaves; the radicle, the embryonic root; and the
cotyledon(s), parts of the seed that serve as a food store for the
germinating seed and will be the first leaves of the new plant.
Performance Assessment:
The students should be evaluated on the basis of how accurately they count
seeds and complete the graph. They can also be tested on their understanding
of the parts of the seed and the function of each part.
Conclusions:
It may also be of interest to contrast fruits that produce single seeds (like
peaches) and many seeds (like watermelons). The class can also discuss how
seeds and fruits develop from flowers.
References:
Bauer, P.H. et al., Experiences in Biology Laidlaw Brothers Publishers,River
Forest, IL. (1981), pp. 348-352, 370-371.
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