Explore the World of Winter Wheat and Summer Sunflowers: A Resource for Foundation to Year 2 Students
Learn about the fascinating world of Winter Wheat and Summer Sunflowers with our specially designed educational resources, perfect for Foundation to Year 2 students. This resource is a collaborative effort between the Grains Research & Development Corporation and the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia, bringing expert insights and real-world applications into the classroom. This comprehensive series of four lessons offers an engaging exploration into the characteristics, life cycles, and importance of these vital plants in our ecosystem and agriculture, particularly focusing on their roles in Australia’s unique environment.
Lesson 1: The Needs and Features of Winter Wheat and Summer Sunflowers
Students discover the distinct characteristics and essential needs of wheat and sunflower plants. This lesson covers the basics of germination, growth, and development alongside an introduction to the different varieties grown across Australia. Students will learn about the suitability of these crops to various climates and their significant end uses.
Lesson 2: The Life Cycles of Winter Wheat and Summer Sunflowers
The second lesson enriches students’ understanding of the seasonal life cycles specific to Australian wheat and sunflower crops. Through creative writing, illustrating, and sequencing activities, students will not only learn about the biological changes in these plants but also explore the evolving roles of growers through the seasons.
Lesson 3: Growing Winter Wheat and Summer Sunflowers – Practical Investigation
In this hands-on investigation, students will observe wheat and sunflower seeds up close and learn about soil health and its impact on plant growth. Over several weeks, they will engage in making predictions, taking measurements, and recording observations as they watch seeds sprout into young plants. This lesson also introduces students to historical and modern agricultural tools and technologies, enhancing their appreciation of advancements in grain production.
Lesson 4: Producing Wheat and Sunflowers for Healthy Eating
The final lesson focuses on the nutritional contributions of wheat and sunflowers. Students will discover how these plants are processed into foods like bread and how sunflower seeds are turned into oil. Activities will include data collection and analysis of different food products made from wheat and sunflowers, emphasising healthy eating.
Each lesson is supported by a detailed Teacher Guide, ensuring educators are well-prepared with background information, instructional strategies, and additional resources. Collaborative activities foster teamwork and critical thinking, while authentic Australian imagery helps bring the content to life, making learning relatable and impactful.
For more grains resources, head to the Grains Education webpage.
Access the Super Seed Kit HERE.
This resource is a collaborative effort between the Grains Research & Development Corporation and the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia.
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Keywords
Wheat, Sunflowers, Germination, Growth, Development, Seasons, Life cycles, Agricultural technologies, Nutritional benefits, Practical investigations, Food production, Healthy eating, Australian crops, Soil, Plant Characteristics and Features, Historical and modern tools
Developed by: PIEFA and GRDC