How many different types of flowering plants are there in the world? Why are there so many? What makes them unique, and what do they have in common? And, besides being pretty, what is the purpose of a flower anyway?
Blueprint and Timeline
Driving Question:
What structures does a flowering plant have to help it survive in its environment? How might these structures be different in a different ecosystem?
Learning Objectives:
Skills:
What structures does a flowering plant have to help it survive in its environment? How might these structures be different in a different ecosystem?
Learning Objectives:
Skills:
- Creativity
- Model making
- Dissection
- Collaboration
- 6L.1.1 Summarize the basic structures and functions of flowering plants required for survival, reproduction, and defense.
- 6L.2.3 Summarize how the abiotic factors (such as temperature, water, sunlight, and soil quality) of biomes (freshwater, marine, forest, grasslands, desert, tundra) affect the ability of organisms to grow, survive and/or create their own food through photosynthesis.
Plant Dissection
I flowering plant is made of many parts that all have to fulfill different roles in order for the plant to survive. In order to start becoming familiar with these parts, you will dissect several different types of flowers. As you follow the instructions to remove and examine the parts, you will develop hypotheses about the function of each.
Flower Structure Foldable
Use the resources available to you (Glogster, books, recommended websites) to learn about each of the parts of a flowering plant listed on the instruction sheet. Based on what you learn, create your foldable with pictures, descriptions, and functions of each part.
Model Plant
Now that you have learned some general information about flowering plants, you will work with your group to focus on one specific type of plant. After receiving your plant assignment from Mrs. Bernier, you will do research to answer the following questions:
- - In what biome is this plant usually found?
- - What special features does it have to help it survive there?
- - What parts does it use for each of its important life functions?
- Using this information and some creativity (along with home and classroom supplies), you will build a model of your plant. All important structures must be included with labels that explain their function. After you have completed your model, you will have a chance to present it to the class and talk about what strengths and weaknesses the flower has in terms of survival.
Turn Your Plant into a Pioneer!
Now that your plant is successful in its natural environment, you get to turn it into a pioneer! You will be assigned a new biome, and will have to get your plant ready to go exploring there. In order to do this, you will have to do some reading to learn about your new biome. What would make it challenging for your plant to survive there? You will then redesign your plant (and make changes to your model) so that it is better prepared to survive in its new home. Finally, you will choose a creative way to present what you have learned and how you have redesigned your pioneer plant. Some suggestions include a poster, a Glogster, a Smore flyer, a picture book, or a video, but you can come up with your own ideas too! Make sure you include lots of information because your work (and your model) will be on display for the whole school to see!
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