Grades 8-9 Details (G2)

Lab 1

The year begins with a breakdown of the different plant parts and their function. Students will discover the fascinating insides of a flower through a dissection and discover the diversity of plant species that exist! Students will also conduct a lab experiment to determine the effects of the sun on a plant’s well-being. Finally, students will measure the effect of water on seed germination by conducting a lab experiment that they get to take home!

January 28, 2023
10 AM - 12:30 PM

Lab 2

Plants have basic requirements for survival just like us! Students will conduct an experiment to find what factors are essential for plant health and growth. Plants are very special because they have the incredible ability to produce their own energy! Students will get to measure the amount of oxygen that plants produce using special technology that will get students feeling like scientists!

February 4, 2023
10 AM - 12:30 PM

Lab 3

One important plant need that has yet to be introduced is soil. Soil plays a huge role in water, nutrient, and oxygen availability, and provides a home for plants. Soil is created over time from weathering rocks and is affected by climate, decaying matter, and topography. All of this contributes to the quality and type of soil that exists. Students will analyze the various components found in soil. Prepare to get your hands dirty!

February 11, 2023
10 AM - 12:30 PM

Lab 4

Soil is characterized by particle size. Particle size is important because it plays a large role in many factors that affect the health of plants. Students will conduct an experiment to determine which soil types are better suited for healthy plant life. Soil types change as you move deeper down through the soil. Students will observe different soil horizons and analyze how soil types change from one layer to the next and consider the effects this has on plant growth.

February 25, 2023
10 AM - 12:30 PM

Lab 5

In this lab, students will be introduced to animal science including animal terminology and anthropology. Did you know a filly is a young female horse?! Knowledge of terminology and anatomical parts is critical for farmers, scientists, and veterinarians to communicate to each other about specific animal needs. Students will also get to see how good they are at judging pigs. Swine or pigs are often prioritized based on a number of characteristics that students will get to learn about.

Students will design their own plant or soil science experiment in this lab! Students will conduct their experiments, record results, and analyze their data during a portion of each of the remaining labs.

March 4, 2023
10 AM - 12:30 PM

Lab 6

Caring for animals takes planning, research, and attention. Further, different animals have different anatomical, behavioral, and physiological characteristics and may require very different food types, shelter, and environments. Students will determine the best strategies to provide optimal care for various animals.

Now that students have developed awesome lab experiment, students will set up their plant or soil science activity!

March 11, 2023
10 AM - 12:30 PM

Lab 7

Food production requires a significant amount of electrical energy and fuel to grow and harvest crops. Interestingly, some agricultural crops are processed into biofuels that can be used to replace petroleum-based fuels which is much better for our environment! Students will conduct experiments to compare the power produced by different sources and determine which source is more sustainable. One experiment includes the burning of fuel!

Students have now collected data on their very own experiments! Students will compare their data in their groups. Will they find any new trends?!

April 1, 2023
10 AM - 12:30 PM

Lab 8

One limited resource essential for food production is land. Property lines can extend far beyond what the eye can see. Students will discover the challenges involved in creating clearly defined boundary lines and learn how the definition of boundary lines has evolved since the time of the first colonizers. Today, land surveying is the common method used. The latest advancement in land surveying requires the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS). Students will conduct a procedure to find hidden objects, much like going on a treasure hunt!

Students will begin to analyze their data and build conclusions based on their results!

April 8, 2023
10 AM - 12:30 PM

Lab 9

For the final lab, students will be given the challenge to unravel the strange death of some of the plants at a local garden. Students will be given soil samples from the garden and use their research skills to collect evidence. Students will analyze their evidence to determine what has caused this strange death. Students will create suggestions for the local garden owner to help him recover his garden and crops.

Students will create a visual poster board for their plant or soil science experiment to share all of their new discoveries!

April 22, 2023
10 AM - 12:30 PM