Students are “blooming” at MAES

For many years, third grade students at Meyersdale Area Elementary School has been participating in a six-week “Fast Plant” project for their Plant Development Unit.

Mrs. Amy McKenzie leads the students through an entire plant cycle using a specially-bred plant created for research and educational opportunities. The “Wisconsin Fast Plant” was created by a University of Wisconsin professor and researcher seeking a way to speed up the plant’s life cycle. Through the work of Dr. Paul Williams, a small yellow plant was created that goes through its life cycle, seed to seed, 10 times faster than its ancestors. Using this particular plant, allows McKenzie to teach students each phase of the cycle.

Students participate in every level of this project, starting with creating the watering and light system. They also plant and pollinate the seeds and record the developments of each step in their scientific notebooks. They are also directed and become adept at creating scientific drawings and observations, using scientific vocabulary, to track the results of the seeds’ growth. Every step of the process is tracked through a focus question and evidence gathering and recording.

“The fast-growing nature of this plant keeps students interested and excited to be in school each day. The Science Journal they use each day makes them feel like true scientists! By keeping records of their plants’ growth, creating their scientific drawings, and obtaining addition data, learning is definitely taking place,” explained McKenzie. “We even use bee sticks to pollinate the plants and at the end we will harvest the seeds for the next year.”

McKenzie said the project is a”perennial” favorite among students as the lab is set up in the classroom and they can see the progress of their individual plants each day.

“Our Plant Unit is so successful because it is completely hands-on from beginning to end. Students plant their seeds and watch them grow and change each day. All students feel successful during this unit, and as a teacher, I am excited to teach this unit each year! I think that’s what makes it so special.”