Water for Life Experiment
Survival Needs
20 minutes daily for one week
Whole class observation
Science
Learning Objective
Observe how water affects plant survival through hands-on experimentation
Materials Needed
- Two identical potted plants (small herbs work well)
- Watering can with water
- Observation chart
- Crayons for recording
- Labels: 'Watered' and 'No Water'
- Camera (optional)
Preparation
- 1Choose two healthy, identical plants
- 2Label one plant 'Watered' and the other 'No Water'
- 3Create simple observation chart with days of the week
- 4Place plants in same location with same light
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1Show children both plants and explain the experiment
- 2Water one plant daily, leave the other dry
- 3Each day, observe changes together
- 4Children draw what they see on the observation chart
- 5Discuss: 'What do you notice? Why do you think this is happening?'
- 6After one week, discuss what plants need to stay healthy
Assessment
- Can the child observe and describe changes in the plants?
- Does the child understand that plants need water?
- Can the child predict what will happen?
Extensions
- Discuss how animals also need water and brainstorm where they find it
- Look for signs of animals getting water around school
- Create a 'Water is Important' poster
- Water the school garden together
Teaching Tips
- Don't let the plant die completely - water it after the experiment
- Connect to children's experience of being thirsty
- Use simple vocabulary: 'healthy', 'droopy', 'strong'
- Take photos to document changes