In this module, students will investigate what plants need to live, grow, and reproduce, and how these factors are parts of a system that work together in each plant’s habitat. Throughout the module, students will be aiming to understand an overarching phenomenon: Why is the number of grand spider orchids in Western Australia decreasing? They begin by asking questions about what makes a good habitat for a plant and observing how different plant parts have structures that relate to their function in helping the plant thrive. Students collaboratively plan and carry out investigations about whether plants need water and/or light to grow. As students make observations and use them as evidence to make claims, they also begin to learn about the interconnectedness of plants and animals in habitats. 

This Asynchronous Canvas course prepares teachers to: • Access online teacher and student resources • Develop understanding of the unit’s storyline, instructional model, and standards alignment. • Organize and manage the materials in the unit to support student learning activities. • Support and assess student sense-making with a variety of strategies, including science notebooks. • Provide examples or resources about STEM-related career choices to use with students

Each module within this course consists of 2-4 lessons in the curriculum and also follows a specific focus question that students will be working towards answering.  These modules contain short videos and "teacher tips" for every lesson which will support teachers in implementing this unit with students . Total time to complete the videos and teacher tips is approximately 3 hours.  The final reflection must be completed in order to validate participation and clock hours.