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Dandelion

A Yellow Sign of Spring

Elementary

Description

The Mid-May Nature Guide features the ubiquitous dandelion which also serves as the inspiration for this simple outdoor activity designed for young children. Dandelion blooms indicate the soil is warming up and are a sure sign that spring has definitely arrived. In this inquiry students explore some of the variables effecting plant growth. After identifying a dandelion plant growing in the school yard, students perform simple tests to determine some of the factors effecting its growth.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This simple inquiry offers a meaningful outdoor learning activity ideally suited for young children. It fits nicely with those outcomes related to ‘appreciating nature’ as well as ‘plant growth and changes’. The inquiry is very simple in its design and bound to raise more questions than it answers. Teachers will need to be prepared to provide both pre and post activity support. The video Dandelion Life Cycle is an excellent companion to this resource

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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    • Kindergarten
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      • Science
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        • Earth Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions.
    • Grade 2
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      • Science
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        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
    • Grade 4
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      • Science
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        • Investigating change and the diversity of Earth’s systems helps us to develop understandings of the conditions necessary to sustain life.
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        • Science 1: Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment
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        • Science 2: Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment
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        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
  • Manitoba
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        • Characteristics and Needs of Living Things
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        • Growth and Changes in Plants
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        • Explore Your World: Diversity and Social Responsibility
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        • Explore Your World: Diversity and Social Responsibility
    • Grade 3
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        • Our Local Environment : :Scientific Literacy
        • Our Local Environment : Learning and Living Sustainably
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        • Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
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        • Plant Growth & Changes
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        • Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
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        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment
  • Nova Scotia
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        • Science 1: Needs of Living Things
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        • Science 3: Plants
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        • Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
  • Ontario
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        • Life Systems: Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
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        • Life Systems: Growth & Changes in Plants
  • Prince Edward Island
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        • Needs and Characteristics of Living Things
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        • Plant Growth & Changes
  • Saskatchewan
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        • Needs & Characteristics of Living Things
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      • Science
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        • Plant Growth and Changes
  • Yukon Territory
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        • Science 1: Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment
    • Grade 2
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 2: Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4: All living things sense and respond to their environment

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (1)

  • Appreciating the Natural World