Register with GEF for FREE to enjoy these great benefits! 

    • member only contests and raffles

    • sustainability program news and updates

    • significant discounts at GEF Institute

Note: If you have problems registering, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

JOIN GEF NOW!

Taking a GEF Institute Course? Login by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

 

Join Us

Sign Up for National Green Week!
Please note: Your privacy is very important to GEF. We do not share or sell any of your data.  It is with the sole purpose of providing you with relevant information that GEF will contact you.
Login/SignUp

Welcome to the Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse

Here, you can find free sustainability lessons to use in your class and upload your own lessons to share. Be sure to rate the lessons you use and leave comments for your colleagues!

All of GEF's lessons and programs are offered at no cost.  Become a member to support GEF and enjoy member only benefits! 
Join button_03

Professional Development

GEFinstitute LOGO_WEB GEF Institute offers affordable, online sustainability courses eligible for professional development or academic credit.
Give your resume a boost!

Sponsor a Teacher

Support educators in your community by helping them earn a Certificate in Sustainability or take an online course. Find out more about sponsorship!
Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse

Green Thumb and Dirty Fingernails

Lesson Description:
In this lesson, students learn about plant parts, needs, and characteristics through identifying and comparing seeds. Using this knowledge, students then plant them. This lesson is best suited for 2nd graders and adheres to New York state learning standards and benchmarks.
Lesson Type:
  • Experiment
  • Project

Sustainability Topic:
  • Gardening

GEF Program Category:
  • Green Thumb Challenge

Time Needed:
3-4 weeks, may require extra time due to the varying growth rates of plants.
Standards Addressed:
  • benchmarks: mst1 si 1 - (1) ask "why" questions in attempts to seek greater understanding. 
    • mst1 ed 1 - (2) identify simple problems and solutions. 
    • mst1 ed1 - (4) plan and build, under supervision, a model of the solution using familiar materials, processes and hand tools.
  • standard: mst1 analysis, inquiry, and design - the student will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.
  • benchmarks: 
    • mst2 is 1 - (1) know basic distinctions among computer software, such as word processors, special purpose programs, and games. 
    • mst2 is 1 - (3) access needed information from printed media, electronic databases, and community resources.
  • standard: 
    • mst 2 information systems-students will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate technologies.
  • benchmarks: 
    • mst4 (3) know that plants and animals have features that help them live in different environments. (4) describe the major stages in the life cycles of selected plants and animals. (6) know that plants and animals need certain resources for energy and growth.
  • standard: 
    • mst 4 - science - students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment.
  • benchmarks: 
    • mst5 (3) identify basic computer hardware. use the computer as a tool for generating and drawing ideas.
  • standard:
    • mst 5 - technology - students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.

Materials Needed:
  • nature
  • virtual ecosystem software
  • textbook
  • movie: "the magic school bus goes to seed"
  • research encyclopedia

School or Group:
Connected-learning.org
Contact Email:
service@greeneducationfoundation.org
Located in: Math

The Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse is brought to you in partnership with

Center for Green Schools