Watermelon Magic

Enjoy a Private Educational Program, Watermelon Magic 10:45am – 11:30am

Explore the themes of the film through planting and engineering design. Students will plant a seed to take home and experience sprouting and growth similar to Sylvie’s watermelon plants. Math meets science as students use problem solving skills to design and build a small scale fence structure.

Explore our GROW Exhibit 11:30am – 12:30pm

Dig Deeper as we take a look at the science of the most important element of our daily lives: our food. Where does it come from? How does it grow? How far does it travel? How can each of us make a difference so we can all eat? Explore these questions and so much more through this self-directed, exhibit learning experience.

Lunch – 12:30pm – 1:00pm

Lunch may be purchased starting at $6 per student and $9.50 for adults, or you can bring your own.

Pre and post-visit activities

Learning Goals (for field trip and pre/post-activities)

Watermelon Magic is an agriculture and engineering field trip package designed for students in
Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Through pre-visit, field trip, and post-visit activities, students will:

1. Observe the growing cycle of a plant (watermelon and lima bean).
2. Record data of the growing cycle of a plant.
3. Work collaboratively with peers on a design project.
4. Use math and engineering to design and build a model fence.
5. Present and speak clearly about their design project as a group to the rest of the class.

Standards Addressed (Missouri Learning Standards)

Science

• K.LS1.C.1 – Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
• K.ETS1.B.1 – Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
• 1.ETS1.B.1 – Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
• 2.ETS1.B.1 – Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
• 2.LS2.A.1 – Plan and conduct investigations on the growth of plants when growing conditions are altered (e.g., dark vs. light, water vs. no water).

English Language Arts

• K.R4.A.B – With assistance, develop an awareness of media literacy by: identifying techniques used in media.
• K.SL3.A – Speak clearly using conventions of language when presenting individually or with a group by: a. taking turns speaking, according to classroom expectations, b. continuing a conversation through multiple exchanges, c. confirming comprehension by retelling information and asking appropriate questions based on read-alouds or other media.
• 1.R4.A.B – With assistance, develop an awareness of media literacy by: identifying techniques used in media.
• 1.SL3.A – Speak clearly and to the point, using conventions of language when presenting individually or with a group by: a. taking turns speaking, according to classroom expectations, b. building on others’ talk in conversations by responding to comments of others, c. confirming comprehension of read-alouds and other media by retelling and asking appropriate questions.
• 2.SL3.A – Speak clearly and to the point, using conventions of language when representing individually or with a group by: a. taking turns in discussion with a shoulder partner, according to classroom expectations, b. confirming comprehension of read-alouds and independent reading by retelling and asking appropriate questions.

Pre-visit Activities

Before coming to the Science Center, consider doing some of the following activities to prepare your class for the field trip.

• Watch the film trailer:
  
• Have a class discussion about what students know about growing food, farm life, and what grows on a farm.

Post-visit Activities

After your field trip, remember your experience and extend the learning by using some of the
following resources.

• Lima bean growing cycle
  • Keep a growth chart of the lima beans received on the field trip.
  • Compare growth of student beans (sun and water) with variable beans (only sun or only water).
• Watch the extended clip of the film to recall key points and introduce new topics of study.
  
• Discuss:
  • Other foods that grow on the farm: berries, apples, honey, etc.
  • Where food grows: vine, tree, from animals.
  • What animals live on the farm: goats, chickens, bees, etc.
  • What it is like to live on a farm as an adult and as a kid. What jobs/chores are there?
• Use some of the great resources available on the Watermelon Magic film website.
  • http://watermelonmagic.com/
  • Watermelon Magic Educator’s Guide
• Watermelon Magic Activities and Experiments
  • How to Grow a Watermelon
  • Sun, Soil and Watermelons
  • Do Watermelons Float?
  • Watermelon Math
  • Watermelon Reading 1
  • Watermelon Reading 2

Resources

• Lima Bean Growth Chart

Bus parking is free – cars are $10 per vehicle, free parking for required chaperones.
NOTE: Reservations are required at least 2 weeks in advance and we must receive payment 10 days prior to your
scheduled field trip. Last minute additions to student or chaperone tickets must be made the day before arrival.

Download a PDF copy of the agenda

Download a PDF copy of Pre and Post visit activities

Cancellation policy: Payment is required 10 days prior to your scheduled field trip. Cancellation after that time period will result in forfeiture of the full activity amount. SLSC may cancel the program with at least one-week prior notice, in which case SLSC will promptly refund the amount previously paid and your organization will be relieved of any payment obligation. SLSC shall however, in no event, be responsible for any loss incurred by your organization other than the program payments received.

To make a reservation please call 314.289.4439, email us or fill out the form below to get started.