The underlining goal of the Wellesley Public School science curriculum is to enable students to
become active, responsible citizens.
Students will:
• see science as a way of understanding the world and not only as an academic activity
• develop knowledge and scientific ways of thinking and communicating throughout a life time
• value integrity, curiosity, openness to new ideas, skepticism, and imagination
IN OUR SECOND GRADE UNIT OF PLANT GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT, children plant Wisconsin Fast
Seeds, cultivate them, observe them, measure their growth, and harvest the seeds. These seeds are
scientifically engineered to go through their life cycle in about 40 days. In the process, children
learn about the specific stages in the life cycle of a plant, and they learn that each part of the
structure of a plant suits its function. They make "bee sticks" and pollinate their plants so that they
will produce seeds. They learn what plants need to live and grow and how plants and animals are
dependent upon one another for survival.
In their plant journals, children learn to record their observations, make scientific drawings with
labels, and graph the growth of their plants. Children make predictions based on their observations
and they synthesize their learning through class discussions.
RELATED CLASS FIELD TRIPS:
Wellesley College Greenhouse: In small groups with parent chaperones, children do a scavenger
hunt through the greenhouse. They learn interesting facts about plants and observe a wide variety
of plants from throughout the world.
Spring Nature Walks: In small groups with parent instructors, children explore the grounds around
Schofield School and learn about the seasonal changes occurring around them.
RELATED FAMILY OUTING POSSIBILITIES:
Wellesley College Greenhouse: The greenhouse is open daily (8:00 - 4:00) throughout the year, and
it is free to the public. They have an outstanding collection of plants from throughout the world.
See their website on my science links page. You can also download a copy of our scavenger hunt
from my handouts page.
Garden In the Woods: This botanical garden of the New England Wild Flower Society is located in
Framingham. April 15 - October 31, you can take a tour through this living museum that displays
over 1600 native plants species including more than 200 that are rare and endangered. Beginning in
early spring and continuing through late fall, the Garden features an ever-changing tapestry of
flowers and foliage. Children will enjoy seeing the butterfly garden. See their website on my science
links page.
