Propagating a Spider Plant Lab

Summary

Students will conduct a lab in which they propagate spider plants to observe asexual reproduction.

Materials

• Spider plants or African violets, geraniums, coleus
• water
• razor blades
• cups
• marker
• student page (attached)

Background for Teachers

Time Needed: To be conducted over several days. 30 minutes the first day and 5 minutes the days data is collected after that.

Safety issues or specialized background knowledge: Growing plants in a classroom may expose students to mold and mold spores. Before doing this lab check to make sure no student has a known mold allergy. Plants may also be stored in a greenhouse if one is available at your school.

Instructional Procedures

1. Write the question on the board: How can plants be cloned?. Ask students to take 5 minutes to brainstorm everything that comes to mind and write it on their papers. They can write or draw pictures.
2. Show students a spider plant (read the prediction question together and ask them to respond to the questions).
3. Ask students to read through the directions together then begin the lab.

Assessment Plan

Scoring Rubric:
1. Students actively participated in the lab and attempted to answer all of the questions ………………………4
2. Students answered the questions correctly…………………………...4

Bibliography

Lesson Design by Jordan School District Teachers and Staff.