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Grade Level
Food Group Sorting

60 min lesson

Students are constantly growing and learning new information about health and nutrition. This lesson teaches about the importance of a well-balanced diet and incorporates all five food groups. Students will participate in a hands-on activity to categorize various foods and meals into the five food groups.

Check out the adapted, online student worksheet version of this activity for elearning purposes.

Garden in a Glove

60 min lesson

This simple lesson gives students an opportunity to investigate and observe how a seed sprouts.

Give Me Five!

45 min lesson

Students learn about the five food groups and what Oregon grown foods fit into each group. This lesson makes a local connection to good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

Students will learn how to determine reliable information sources on the internet to develop fact-based writing about agricultural topics.

Students will use the Engineering Design Process to plan and construct a greenhouse prototype for growing microgreens. Students will apply an understanding of plant needs for growth and determine growing options for communities with climatic challenges.

Grow a Bean in a Bag

20 min lesson

Students grow a bean in a bag with water beads representing the basic elements plants need to grow and thrive.

Growing Bracelets

60 min lesson

Apples to Oregon, written by Oregon author Deborah Hopkinson, is a delightful tall tale containing the best elements of a good “whopper.” After reading the book, students make “growing” bracelets and learn about the basic elements plants really need to grow and thrive.

Hungry Plants

90 min lesson

Students will discover that plants, like humans, need an adequate amount of nutrients to grow and stay healthy. Plants require 16 chemical elements for growth and development. Some nutrients come from the air while others are taken from the soil. It’s important to test soil regularly to determine if there are enough nutrients to support plant growth. The soil test kit will help students identify whether the soil sample is fertile or deficient in nutrients. Keep in mind that all plants need nutrients, but requirements vary depending on the type of crop, shrub, tree, etc.

Check out our Testing Soil Nutrients N-P-K Lesson for math applications associated with this topic!

Living Necklace

30 min lesson

Here is a new twist on planting seeds. Students make a “living necklace” they can wear home or display in various places around the classroom. It is ideal for kicking off a plant unit or introducing the stages of plant growth and development.

Mighty Microgreens

45 min lesson

Enjoy sweet or spicy microgreens with students! Students will explore plant needs and grow a tasty treat for them to enjoy!

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