The Moon's Effect On Plants

Topic: The Moon's Effect on Plants

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to explain how the moon's cycle affects the growth and development of plants.

Materials

• Aquaponics setup (tank, pipes, plants, bacteria)
• Timers for tracking the different lunar phases
• Handouts with information about the different lunar phases and their corresponding effects on plants

Warm-up

• Ask students if they have ever heard of the term "moon cycle" and what they think it means.
• Write their responses on the board and discuss as a class.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of the moon's effect on plants and aquaponics. Explain that the moon's cycle has an impact on the growth and development of plants, including those used in aquaponics.
• Show students pictures of different stages of the moon and explain how these stages affect plant growth. For example, plants may grow faster and more vigorously during the full moon, and they may be more susceptible to disease and pests during the new moon.
• Explain the importance of timing and scheduling in aquaponics, and how the moon's cycle can be taken into account when planning a crop cycle.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in pairs to create a calendar for a hypothetical aquaponics farm, including the different stages of the moon for each month. Have them explain their choices and how they impact the growth and development of the crops.
• Go over the different parts of the aquaponics system and discuss how each component affects the growth and health of the plants.

Independent Practice

• Have students research and create a presentation on a specific type of plant that can be grown in an aquaponics system. Include information on the plant's needs and how they are met by the system, as well as any advantages or disadvantages of using this type of plant in aquaponics.
• Have students research and create a project that demonstrates their understanding of the relationship between the moon and the growth and development of plants in an aquaponics system. This could be a simulation, a calendar, a research project, or any other creative idea they can come up with.

Closure

• Have students share their presentations with the class.
• Have a class discussion about the importance of understanding the relationship between the moon and the growth and development of plants in an aquaponics system.

Assessment

• Observe students during the observation and documentation activity to ensure they are accurately recording the changes they observe in their plants over the course of the lunar cycle.
• Evaluate students' reports based on their understanding of the relationship between the moon's cycle and the growth and development of plants in an aquaponics system.