Lesson Overview:

In this lesson, students will observe and document the growth of microgreens using a time-lapse video. By taking periodic photos and compiling them into a time-lapse video, students will explore how microgreens grow, how time-lapse photography works, and the role of environmental factors in plant development. This project integrates plant biology with technology, media creation, and video editing, fostering creativity while reinforcing science concepts.

Lesson Plan: Time-Lapse Video Project on Microgreens Growth

Grade Level: 5th–8th Grade (adaptable for other grade levels)
Subject Areas: Science, Technology, Photography, Video Editing
Duration: 1–2 hours (plus ongoing observation over several days for plant growth)
Materials Needed:

• Microgreen seeds (e.g., broccoli, radish, or pea)
• Trays or containers for growing microgreens
• Potting soil or hydroponic system (optional)
• Watering can
• Smartphones or tablets with cameras
• Video editing software (e.g., iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, or any free online tool)
• Access to a computer or tablet with internet for editing the time-lapse video
• Chart or journal to document plant growth

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Observe and document the life cycle of microgreens.
2. Understand the principles of time-lapse photography and video creation.
3. Use multimedia technology to document scientific processes.
4. Create a time-lapse video that shows the growth of plants from seed to harvest.
5. Analyze how environmental factors influence plant growth.

Science Standards:

• NGSS Standards (Next Generation Science Standards):
  • MS-LS1-5: Use argument supported by evidence for how plants get the materials they need for growth through processes such as photosynthesis and water uptake.
  • MS-LS2-3: Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
  • MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process to optimize its performance.

Vocabulary:

• Time-Lapse Photography: A technique where a series of photos are taken over a period of time and then played back in a sequence to show the change in an object or environment at a faster rate than normal.
• Photosynthesis: The process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create their own food (glucose) and release oxygen.
• Growth Cycle: The stages through which a plant passes from seed to mature plant.

Preparation Before Class:

1. Set up the Microgreens Trays: Ensure each group has microgreens seeds, a tray with soil, and access to water and light. The teacher should prepare trays in advance so that students can start the project immediately.
2. Introduce Basic Plant Biology: Before starting the time-lapse project, give a short lesson on how microgreens grow and the factors affecting their growth (e.g., light, water, soil, temperature).
3. Set Up the Technology: Make sure all students have access to a smartphone or tablet with camera capabilities. Ensure they are familiar with using basic video editing software.

Lesson Procedure:

Introduction to Time-Lapse Photography (15 minutes):

1. Discuss Time-Lapse Photography:
   • Explain what time-lapse photography is and how it works. You can show an example of a time-lapse video (such as a plant growing or a city skyline changing) to help students visualize the concept.
   • Discuss how time-lapse photography is used in science to track growth, movement, and environmental changes.
2. Explain the Science of Plant Growth:
   • Provide a brief overview of the plant growth cycle, focusing on how plants grow and develop from seeds to mature plants.
   • Introduce the terms photosynthesis, germination, and the importance of light, water, and nutrients for plant growth.

Set Up the Microgreens (20 minutes):

1. Planting the Microgreens:
   • Have students plant their microgreen seeds according to the instructions on the seed packets or using a hydroponic system. Discuss the importance of proper planting depth, watering, and lighting.
   • Encourage students to document the starting date and initial observations of their microgreens in their journals.
2. Positioning for Photography:
   • Students will need to set up their cameras to take periodic photos. They can either:
     • Place the smartphone or tablet on a stand (tripod or makeshift) to ensure the camera stays in a fixed position.
     • Use an app to take pictures automatically at set intervals (e.g., every 3-6 hours) or remind students to take photos at the same time each day.
   • Tip: Encourage students to focus on consistency (same angle and background) for the photos to ensure smooth video creation later.

Creating the Time-Lapse Video (25 minutes):

1. Take Periodic Photos:
   • Over the course of 7-10 days, students will take daily or periodic photos of their microgreens as they grow. Each photo should be taken from the same angle and distance.
   • Make sure students track the growth stages (germination, first leaves, full growth).
2. Edit the Photos into a Time-Lapse Video:
   • After gathering the photos, students will use video editing software (such as iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, or any online platform) to create their time-lapse video.
   • Have students import their photos, arrange them in chronological order, and set the time per frame to speed up the video. Encourage them to add labels or captions to describe the stages of plant growth.
   • Optional: Students can add background music or narration to explain the process.

Classroom Discussion and Analysis (15 minutes):

1. Review and Discuss the Time-Lapse Video:
   • Once the videos are completed, have students share their time-lapse videos with the class.
   • Ask students to analyze the results: What did they observe in the growth cycle? Did any plants grow differently? What factors might have influenced growth (e.g., light, water, temperature)?
2. Discussion on Technology Use in Science:
   • Have students reflect on how technology (time-lapse photography, video editing) helped them observe plant growth in a new way. What did they learn about the relationship between plants and their environment?

Assessment:

• Formative: Monitor students during the plant observation process and video creation, providing support as needed.
• Summative: Evaluate the students’ final time-lapse videos based on the following criteria:
  • Accuracy and clarity of growth stages
  • Creativity and use of video editing tools (titles, captions, music, etc.)
  • Understanding of the science concepts (as reflected in their video content or journal)

Extension Activities:

1. Environmental Variables: Have students test different variables (light vs. darkness, different temperatures, varying watering schedules) to see how they affect microgreen growth. They can create separate time-lapse videos for each condition and compare the results.
2. Math Integration: Have students calculate the average growth rate of their microgreens and plot it on a graph. They can use this data to compare growth across groups.
3. Research Extension: Students can research how different species of microgreens grow and compare their observations to other plant species, integrating cross-curricular learning.

Conclusion:

This lesson combines scientific observation, technology, and creativity to engage students in learning about plant biology and the impact of technology on science. Through the time-lapse video project, students gain hands-on experience in both the scientific method and multimedia creation, building essential skills for the future.