grade 2 unit 1-lesson plan 1 -7

Grade 2 Unit 1-Lesson Plan 1 -7

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• The lesson plans for Grade 2 meet many of the learning outcomes for Grade 2. Students will explore and develop critical thinking skills as they engage in the multidisciplinary lesson plans.

• The unit introduces the concept of energy with activities that reinforce food is a form of energy that is healthy eating is essential for growth and development.-GLO: B3, D1, D4, E4

• Student actvities of growing and eating corn shoots enables them to observe and record the process of aplant growing

• 2-1-07 Students will understand the food that humans eat come from plants and animals, and understand the complexity of supply chains involved. GLO: B1, B3

• Students will also learn about the energy inputs required for different types of food.

• We conclude with Lesson 7 introducing the concept of sustainability and food security

Teacher Notes


• Please allow 2-3 days for seeds to sprout• Please allow 10-16 days when sprouted seeds

are planted for the shoots to be harvested

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Grade 2 Kit Contents Lesson Plan 1- One ear of corn

Lesson Plan 2 –Corn seeds (pop corn seeds work), paper or Styrofoam cups and water

Lesson Plan 3 – Soil and water, Light source to put planted seeds under. Compact fluorescent light bulb s work well. Styrofoam cups work well as pots use the strainer cups and put another one under it for water to drain into

Lesson Plan 4,5, 6, 7 – None required

Lesson Plan 1


• Energy• Illustrates concept of corn seed as an

incredibly versatile energy seed

Energy Is the Ability To Do WorkEnergy comes in different forms:


The Sun is a form of energy that plants use



• Corn seeds have large amounts of energy stored in them.• When a farmer plants corn seeds they can harvest the seed for many uses.

The Corn Seed


• Corn seeds contain energy.• A corn seed is an energy seed with many uses.• When the sun shines there is energy in the sun’s rays.• The plants (corn seed) uses the suns energy to grow.

The Corn Seed


Corn The Energy Seed

• Corn plants store the sun’s energy in their roots, stalks, leaves and ears.

• From a seed a corn plant may grow 3 meters high.


• The corn seeds have many uses.• Eating corn and popcorn provides energy for your body.• This energy will help you grow and move and think.



• Corn can be ground and fed to livestock.It is used as feed for cows, pigs and chickens.


• This energy will make the animals grow fast and large.


• You can dry the corn stalks by hanging them.• The dried corn can be burned in your woodstove• The energy in the corn seeds release heat to keep you warm on winter nights.



• The seeds will change from a solids into gas that you can burn for cooking or heat.


• You can put the corn seeds into a large container.

• Some farmers heat their barns with this gas called methane.


Corn seeds can be changed into a liquid that can provide energy to drive carsIt is the same process that can change grapes into wine.This fuel is called ethanol and is sometimes added to gasoline.



Corn is seed that has many uses. The energy in the seed can be used for many things Why don’t you plant some corn seeds and explore the ways you can use the energy in the plants you grow.


Can you draw a picture showing the many uses for corn seeds?


Let’s dry seeds on a husk of corn.After the seed are dryWe can plant the seeds in our garden.We can also plant them indoors for corn shoots

1. Pull back husks and complete drying in cool, dry location2. String the corn up by the pulled-back husks. You can do this by

braiding the ears together, or simply by tying the husks to a string.

3. Wait 60 to 90 days, and take down the string of corn. To see if the corn is dry enough to be stored as seed, gently pluck at a few kernels with your finger. If the corn breaks free from the cob, you can now store it as seed

4. Take each ear of corn and twist it over a paper bag. Grabbing hold of your corn cob, turn one wrist one direction, and one the other direction. The corn seed kernels should fall off into the paper bag


Can you write the down some of the uses of corn?

Lesson Plan 2


• Lets plant some corn seeds.• But first we need to soak

them in water.• The seeds will get bigger in

the water and start growing.

• Students get to make Styrofoam Cup Strainers


As you can see, a seed of corn really is an energy seed. Why don’t you plant some corn seeds and explore the ways you can use the energy in the plants you grow.


Let’s plant some corn seeds and grow some popcorn shoots


Put some corn seeds in a cup add water and soak them overnight


Let’s put the seeds that have been in water overnight in a cup. Make holes in the bottom of the cup with your pencil. Make a lid for the cup with paper or cardboard.


Rinse and strain the seeds 2 or 3 times a day


Now you can rinse the seed easily in your strainer

Lesson Plan 3


• Students germinate the corn seeds• Plant the sprouted seeds in soil.• Students can print name on the pots


Rinse and strain the seeds 2 or 3 times a day until the corn seeds sprout


Rinse and strain the seeds 2 or 3 times a day until the corn seeds sprout.When the seed sprout, they will look like this and are ready to plant


Plant the seeds in your Styrofoam cup with the holes

Remember to cover the seed with soil.


• Add a little water

Sunlight


• You can use indoor light to replace the sun

Instructions for Growing Corn GreensContinue to water to keep soil moistWhen the corn emerges and have two leaves, cut them and rinse. Eat the stems as well, great in salads or garnish on sandwiches


Rinse your shoots well before eating

Lesson Plan 4


• Students learn observation and recording skills –Draw and write their observations as the plants are growing

Observe the planted seeds for next 8-12 days


Growing Corn GreensOn what day did the seed come out of the soil?On what day did the first leave show?On what day did you see two leaves?


Lesson Plan 5


• Students learn about the nutritional benefits of corn shoots

• Learn how to harvest safely• Discuss the taste and learn why it is so sweet


Green Corn Shoots


.They are up to 30% percent protein by weight.

Vitamins A, B, C and ECalcium, Chlorophyll, Iron, Lecithin, Magnesium, Pantothenic Acid, Phosphorus, PotassiumTrace ElementsProtein: up to 30%.

TASTE GREAT AND ARE HEALTHY!Put them on sandwiches, salads or in soup.Eat them anyway you want to.


How do they taste


Why do think they are so sweet?


The young plant has simple sugars in it.


Lesson Plan 6


• Students develop critical thinking skills as they explore the energy inputs into different food groups.

• How much energy does it take to make our food?


• Which food takes more energy to make?


• Corn shoots we planted the seeds and harvested them

• If we grow corn in a garden we can get seeds from the corn plant


• How much energy does meat take?


Do you think meat takes lots of energy?


Can you draw or print all the steps it takes to make beef?


Lesson Plan 7


• Introduces students to concept of sustainability and food security

• Benefits of gardens

Your garden is a healthy fun way to provide your family and community with food.


Growing your own food does not cost very much money. So it has economic benefits. $$$$$


Why is growing your own food good for the environment ?


See the next 5 slides to promote discussion


Can you write a short story on a carrot travelling from a farm in California to your kitchen table

grade 2 unit 1-lesson plan 1 -7

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