Plant Studies

Class Description:

Students will explore the world of plants in three main categories: identification, ecological roles, and potentials as resources for humans. Although memorization of names is not required, once names are learned, students will be able to move on to the next level of learning. Plants demonstrate interrelationships in nature, such as the symbiosis between plants and animals and the strong affect of habitats on species. Finally, the students will learn about plants as resources first hand by creating medicines, foods, drinks, perfumes, or dyes.

Total time: 3 hours (two hours outdoors)
Audience: 6-20 students, 4th grade through adult
Activity level: easy
Travel: 1 mile
Total uphill travel: variable

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Plant Studies class students will be able to:

Identify 8 groups of plants.

Recognize the complex interrelationships between plants and animals.

Make a direct connection between a plant and a final product.

Describe basic habitats by using plants as the basis.

Minnesota Graduation Standards

The Plant Studies class will provide students with guided practice, in an authentic setting, to support the following Graduations Standards. We have chosen one to three “major focus” standards per grade level. Due to the holistic nature of environmental education, several other standards, not listed here, are addressed as well.

Wolf Ridge Curriculum Concepts

• You don't have to go far to find a great diversity of plant life.
• All plants have some practical value in the natural scheme of things. They also have value to humans.
• Each plant has specific needs which make it able (or unable) to survive in identifiable habitats such as wetlands, uplnads, cliff faces, or disturbed areas.

Classroom Connections*

• Journal page download
• Pre-visit activities
• Post-visit activities
• Links to Plant Studies information and activities on the web

*requires Wolf Ridge password