In this unit, students investigate the needs of plants, parts of plants, biodiversity, and interactions of plants and animals. Students view a phenomenon of a strawberry growing.  Throughout the unit, they will figure out what is needed for this to occur. The Crosscutting Concepts of Cause and Effect and Structure and Function are featured prominently as students conduct plant growth experiments and create models of pollen or seed dispersal.

The unit begins with students planning and executing an investigation to determine if plants need water and sunlight to grow. Students observe and collect data as their seeds germinate and grow and use this data to form a conclusion. Students identify the parts of a plant and their functions, too.

Next, students dive in to biodiversity by identifying and comparing  living things different habitats around the school and other habitats around the world.

Finally, students learn about specific plant and animal interactions, seed dispersal and plant pollination. The unit ends with students creating a model that mimics the function of an animal dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.