4th grade plant research project

23 Ideas for Science Experiments Using Plants

ThoughtCo / Hilary Allison

• Cell Biology
• Weather & Climate
• B.A., Biology, Emory University
• A.S., Nursing, Chattahoochee Technical College

Plants are tremendously crucial to life on earth. They are the foundation of food chains in almost every ecosystem. Plants also play a significant role in the environment by influencing climate and producing life-giving oxygen. Plant project studies allow us to learn about plant biology and potential usage for plants in other fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. The following plant project ideas provide suggestions for topics that can be explored through experimentation.

Plant Project Ideas

• Do magnetic fields affect plant growth?
• Do different colors of light affect the direction of plant growth?
• Do sounds (music, noise, etc.) affect plant growth?
• Do different colors of light affect the rate of photosynthesis ?
• What are the effects of acid rain on plant growth?
• Do household detergents affect plant growth?
• Can plants conduct electricity?
• Does cigarette smoke affect plant growth?
• Does soil temperature affect root growth?
• Does caffeine affect plant growth?
• Does water salinity affect plant growth?
• Does artificial gravity affect seed germination?
• Does freezing affect seed germination?
• Does burned soil affect seed germination?
• Does seed size affect plant height?
• Does fruit size affect the number of seeds in the fruit?
• Do vitamins or fertilizers promote plant growth?
• Do fertilizers extend plant life during a drought?
• Does leaf size affect plant transpiration rates?
• Can plant spices inhibit bacterial growth ?
• Do different types of artificial light affect plant growth?
• Does soil pH affect plant growth?
• Do carnivorous plants prefer certain insects?
• 8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas
• Plant and Soil Chemistry Science Projects
• High School Science Fair Projects
• Middle School Science Fair Project Ideas
• Animal Studies and School Project Ideas
• Elementary School Science Fair Projects
• Chemistry Science Fair Project Ideas
• Magnetism Science Fair Projects
• Science Fair Project Ideas
• 4th Grade Science Fair Projects
• Environmental Science Fair Projects
• Plant Stresses: Abiotic and Biotic Stresses
• 6th Grade Science Fair Projects
• Household Product Testing Science Fair Projects
• College Science Fair Projects
• Understanding Simple vs Controlled Experiments

Let It Grow: An Inquiry-Based Organic Gardening Research Project

• Resources & Preparation
• Instructional Plan
• Related Resources

Struggling readers at the middle school level often become frustrated with research projects because of their low literacy skills. However, they are often very creative, kinesthetic learners, and when a research project is scaffolded properly, they are able to work independently, think critically, and accomplish a finished product they can feel proud of. This project motivates students to learn about organic gardening by developing their own research questions, conducting research, and gardening at their school. They then create signs about their plants and present their research to the class so that other students can learn about each plant.

Featured Resources

Organic Gardening Research Project : Have your students use this helpful handout to track their research and observations and to prepare their oral presentations.

From Theory to Practice

• Inquiry-based projects differ from traditional research projects in that they encourage students to formulate more expansive questions that explore meaning and different ways the information gathered could be used.
• The focus on inquiry increases student involvement in the topic and encourages reading and writing.
• Teachers can select themes and topics for students to work with but it is important that they be broad and interest students.
• Underachieving students are especially well served by student-centered research projects when teachers take the time to encourage student interest, provide resources when they are needed, and give students time to share their findings with other students.

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

• 1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
• 4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
• 7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
• 8. Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

Materials and Technology

• Gardening books and encyclopedias
• Computers with Internet access
• Decorative and edible plant seeds
• An indoor or outdoor garden space
• Sifted compost or organic gardening soil
• Containers and tools for planting
• Sign-making materials
• Organic Gardening Research Project

Preparation

Student objectives.

Students will

• Practice inquiry-based research in developing their own questions
• Practice acquiring knowledge using the Internet and books to learn about a specific plant
• Demonstrate comprehension by applying that knowledge directly to a growing plant and by presenting research to the entire class
• Synthesize information about the plant by designing and creating an educational sign to place in the garden next it

Note: In between Sessions 1 and 2, choose one unanswered question or unresolved issue from your conversation in Session 1 and write three research questions designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of the subject. Strategies for developing questions include using questions stems such as:

• What are some possible solutions for the problem of _______?
• Why is _______ important?
• What would happen if _______?

Some concrete questions about the plant could work too, such as:

• How is _______ grown and cared for organically?
• How is _______ used in our culture and in other cultures?
• Where is _______ originally from? (Have a map on hand to show students).

You might also ask questions about organic gardening in other countries, the history of organic gardening, the costs of organic gardening, and how organic gardening is viewed by people in other professions (for example, supermarket owners, food manufacturers, or environmentalists).

Homework (due before Session 3): Fill out the first two pages of the handout.

Note: You want to collect the homework, review it, and make notes to yourself and your students before you begin Session 3.

Sessions 4, 5, & 6

Note: As this unit progresses, you will want to remind students to fill out the Observation Log portion on page 6 of their Organic Gardening Research Project handouts.

Sessions 7 and 8

Homework (at the end of Session 8, due at the beginning of Session 9): Complete the Organic Gardening Research Project handouts and prepare oral presentations on their research.

Have students give short presentations in which they show the class their plants and their signs and explain what they learned through their research and observation. Students should also turn in their Organic Gardening Research Project handouts.

• Students can make a small book to document growth and changes in their plant using drawings and descriptions. Another project is to have students choose any wild plant or weed growing in or around the schoolyard and have them observe and document its growth and changes regularly. A good tool for either exercise is the Stapleless Book .
• Organize a party to show off the class garden to parents. Have each student bring some healthy (maybe even organic) food to share.

Student Assessment / Reflections

• Evaluate student ability to do inquiry-based research by reviewing their research questions. Do the questions show original, serious thinking on the part of the student? Will the answers help others learn about the plant and about organic gardening?
• Was the work completed on time?
• Is the information on the handout accurate?
• Did the student use sources adequately?
• Did the student stay focused and ask for help when he or she needed it?
• Did the student make good choices when selecting information to include on the sign and in the presentation?
• Tell students that cooperation with classmates will help their grade. Observe and take notes on how well students help each other throughout the project.
• Invite self-assessment by having students write a reflection on what they liked and didn't like about doing this kind of project.
• Student Interactives
• Calendar Activities
• Professional Library
• Lesson Plans

The Stapleless Book can be used for taking notes while reading, making picture books, collecting facts, or creating vocabulary booklets . . . the possibilities are endless!

Some of Fleishman's memories in his essay "My House of Voices" are shared with the class. Students then write a descriptive essay that gives a tour of the voices in their homes, school, etc.

• Print this resource

Explore Resources by Grade

• Kindergarten K

• Preschool Mega Bundle
• Sight Words Mega Bundle
• Alphabet Bundle
• Tracing Bundle
• Shapes Bundle
• I Spy Bundle
• Do-A-Dot Bundle
• Colors Bundle
• Matching Bundle
• Counting Bundle
• Word Walls Bundle
• Q-Tip Painting Bundle
• Kindergarten
• Language Arts
• Social Studies
• St. Patrick's Day
• Thanksgiving
• Valentine's Day
• Sight Words
• Letter Recognition
• Number Recognition
• Pattern Recognition
• Subtraction
• Bulletin Board Accents
• Bulletin Board Borders
• Bulletin Board Letters
• Bulletin Board Paper
• Bulletin Board Sets
• Bulletin Board Storage
• Posters & Charts
• Chalkboard Toppers
• Two-Sided Decorations
• Window Clings
• Magnetic Accents
• Magnetic Borders
• Magnetic Letters
• Magnetic Labels & Name Tags
• Magnetic Sets
• Bulletin Board Ideas
• Storage Bins, Boxes & More
• Chair Pockets
• Library Pockets
• Activities, Cards & Mats
• Flash Cards
• Pocket Charts
• Chart Paper & Stands
• Educational Posters
• Certificates & Diplomas
• Incentive & Reward Charts
• Stamps & Stamp Pads
• Whiteboard Supplies
• Chalkboard Supplies
• Hall Passes
• Name Plates
• Children's Books
• Plan & Record Books
• Resource & Activity Books
• Construction Paper
• Craft Paper
• Drawing Paper
• Colored Pencils
• Craft Sticks
• Glue & Adhesives
• Wiggle Eyes
• AccuCut Die Cutting
• Ellison Die Cutting
• Sizzix Die Cutting
• Die Cutting Machines
• Dies & Die Sets
• Starter Sets
• Dough & Clay Tools
• Modeling Materials
• Paint Brushes
• Aprons & Smocks
• Post-It & Sticky Notes
• Clips & Fasteners
• Staplers & Staples
• Tape & Dispensers
• Rulers & Measuring
• Binders & Accessories
• Desk Organizers & Accessories
• Filing & Folders
• Labels & Labeling
• Printer Paper
• Filler Paper
• Index Cards
• Pencils & Accessories
• Highlighters
• Correction Fluid & Tape
• Pretend Play Sets
• Pretend Food
• Sports Accessories
• Sports Sets
• Tricycles & Ride-Ons
• Bulletin Boards
• Chalkboards
• Dry Erase Boards
• Alphabet Rugs
• Carpet Squares & Circles
• Circle Time & Seating Rugs
• Daycare Rugs
• Preschool Rugs
• Physical Education
• Trend Enterprises
• Carpets for Kids
• Carson Dellosa
• Teacher Created Resources
• Foundations
• Creative Teaching Press
• McDonald Publishing
• Joy Carpets
• Learning Resources
• Ashley Productions
• Scholastic Teaching Resources
• North Star Teacher Resources
• Barker Creek
• Hygloss Products
• All Popular Brands
• Shop by Theme
• Your Account
• Science Fair Projects
• Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade 9th Grade 10th Grade
• Topic Aerodynamics Behavioral & Social Science Chemistry Electricity Energy Food Geology Human Biology Life Science Memory Microbiology Physical Science Physiology Plants Psychology Sports Zoology
• Supplies Experiment Kits Project & Display Boards
• All Science Fair Projects

4th Grade Plant Science Fair Projects

Narrow your search.

• Earth Environmental Science
• Life Science

Microwaves and Plants

Photo ©2007 Tim Patterson, Flickr You're probably wondering what kind of sc...

Phototropism: Why Do Plants Grow Toward Light?

For those elementary students interested in botany, this cool experiment fro...

Multicolored Flowers

Photo © 2008 Subramanian Kabilan, Flickr This science experiment, designed ...

The Effect of Acid Rain on Aquatic Life

Photo © 2005 Rick Smit, Flickr Like smoking, pollution has "second-hand" ef...

Oxygen in Plant Respiration

Photo Source: Viktor Kuryan Most children are familiar with the overly simp...

Photosynthesis & Light Color

Photo © 2009 Corey Harmon, Flickr If you have a student who's interested in...

• Try for free

4th Grade Plants and Botany Activities

• Most Popular
• Most Recent