A class poses in front of a model of the US Capitol, made entirely of plant parts!
Students complete a scavenger hunt to identify uses of plants.
In the post-trip lesson, students create terrariums to observe how plants grow.
Pre-trip lesson: Students are introduced to life from a plant’s point of view. In the classroom, they study the various structures of plants and their functions. They also learn how plants reproduce, focusing on the many challenges they often face in order to survive. Trip: At the Botanic Garden, students conduct a scavenger hunt in the “Garden Court,” identifying various plants and discussing their use to humans. The tour continues with a trip back in time as students explore the “Garden Primeval” and examine how the Earth looked during the time of the dinosaurs. They venture through the desert to study plant adaptations and test their noses as they explore examples of the interdependence between plants and humans. Finally, students take a walk on the wild side as they follow a canopy walk through the jungle section of the Garden.
Post-trip lesson: As a culminating activity, students work in teams to create their own terrariums. Using various materials, students construct the proper habitat for their plants and discuss how the water cycle aids the life of a plant. Students also test their knowledge of plants as they compete in a collaborative review game and take written assessments.
