The Adventures of KG-M @ AISDhaka: Demonstrating our Understanding of Plants

We finished up our unit of inquiry on Sharing the Planet: Plants with an activity that encouraged us to consolidate our learning and share our understanding. Our lines of inquiry for this unit were:

The properties of plants
What plants provide for us and other living things
The relationship between plants and other living things

In order for students to demonstrate their knowledge, they were first each given a piece of paper of paper on which they recorded the things they know plants have, need, and give (to people and animals).

From here we were able to work together to generate a list of things plants provide to both humans and animals. The next day, students were given pictures of each item generated the day prior. They then worked in partners to determine the importance of each item. They were instructed to sort the items accordingly in relation to a circle on their poster. The items inside the circle were those they felt were necessary to live. Those just outside but touching the circle were those they felt were not necessary, but quite important. Those on the outside of the paper were the items the students felt were not necessary - rather, just nice to have.

The next step was to compare their own poster with that of their teammates. The students moved around the room in their partnerships and examined the other students' work. They discussed differences and similarities and engaged in dialogue with their partners.

Comparing Circles from AIS Dhaka on Vimeo.

Finally, each group had a chance to elaborate and defend its thinking. Great discussion erupted as students agreed and disagreed about the importance of the various things plants provide. Please take a few moments to watch some of the videos below. Notice the focus, passion, and deep thinking that is capable even in kindergarten.