Young biologists discuss the reasons behind the current use of the plant identification system. They get into groups and identify the characteristics of each species of plant which is described. The keys needed for groups to make...

Learners examine the process of photosynthesis; its products and reactants, and the sequence of the process. They diagram the light reactions, record observations of plants, and discuss how difficult it is to measure plant growth as it...

Students participate in a three-part lab in which they investigate plant pigments. Part I is designed to teach basic laboratory techniques of column chromatography, in Part II students design an experiment to separate the components of a...

Part two in a series of four explores the effects of climate on succession or the changing of plant species in a forest. Groups review how to identify trees and then spend a day in the field collecting extensive data on trees to...

Young scholars are able to draw a diagram of the light reactions and briefly describe what is occurring throughout the process. They are able to explain where each reactant/product in the photosynthesis equation comes from/goes during...

Students investigate the concept of succession and plant community dynamics. They play a game in order to conduct multiple experiments while playing. The interest of the game is useful for keeping student interest throughout the activity.

Finally, the day has arrived for introducing plants into the rain garden. If you have been following the entire unit, this will serve as a helpful guide for planting day. If you have not been using the previous lessons in this unit with...

Fifth graders identify how a pond can change into a grassland. An ecosystems instructional activity where learners identify pioneer and climax species, and recognize that ecological succession can take up to 100 years or more. Some...

Observing plant succession doesn't have to be a decade long process. A hands-on lesson has groups study succession over a designated space. Learners use their observation skills to record differences in plant and soil characteristics in...

Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980, devastating plant and animal life for miles around. Two activities are included in this lesson plan. In one, learners evaluate tree rings to determine the age of a tree and the year of a volcano....

In this succession worksheet, students build an ecosystem using a jar, water, bird seed, soil and a water plant. They predict what their ecosystem will look like in 3 weeks and draw a diagram. Students record their data over the course...

High schoolers recognize that natural environments are involved in a process of continual change, and create murals showing three major stages of pond succession. They review the idea of succession (the orderly, gradual, continual...

After cutting down a forest to make a farm, how long would it take the environment to turn an abandoned farm back into a forest? Scholars study this exact scenario while they interpret many charts and graphs of the changing ecosystems as...

Turn your classroom into a greenhouse with a lesson on plant growth. First, investigate the different parts of seeds, identifying the seed coat, cotyledon, and embryo. Then plant the seeds and watch them grow! Measure the new plants...

Sixth graders investigate the parts of a seed by using a digital camera.  In this botany lesson, 6th graders plant their own seeds in class and demonstrate the necessary attributes for growing a plant.  Students utilize a...

Students successfully start a new plant by any means of vegetative propagation. They select a propagation method which is appropriate for the plant and keep a laboratory journal of the treatment and progress of the new plant.

Students investigate their environment by growing plants in class.  In this botany lesson, students discuss the lifespan of plants and animals and how they must be cared for continuously over time.  Students grow a plant in...

Have you been wondering how to use that natural trail at or near your school? This activity gets kids outside with a purpose: learn about ecological succession through field observations and collecting seed and soil samples. The resource...

Using a variety of multi-media resources, your high schoolers become familiar with the parts of plant and create a story about plants using vocabulary learned during their research of plants. Completed stories are published using the...

Students explore the concept of beaver pond succession. In this succession lesson, students discuss what succession is and how it works. Students create a mural to present their understanding of this concept.

Students review succession charts for their native area before going to an outside site to view the changes. At the site, they follow the transect line and observe the changes in the plant life. They draw the changes on note cards that...

Students role play as text book creators by designing an animation showing plant growth from seed to maturity. They incorporate things that plants need to grow in the animation.

Students study what a plant gall is and the different types that there are.  In this plant instructional activity students examine what causes galls and how to prevent them.

Students explore environmental protection by conducting a research experiment in class. In this botany lesson, students identify the necessities for growing a plant indoors and create a small terrarium for their plant. Students observe...