Plant Masters Can you design a plant using only your knowledge of plants, a few basic ecological principles, and a brief list of mysterious plant characteristics?

Plant MastersCan you design a plant using only

your knowledge of plants, a few basic ecological principles, and a brief list of mysterious plant characteristics?

Of course YOU CAN !!!!

Project Description:

In this activity: Each group will be given an

large envelope with the characteristics of a certain plant listed inside.

Each group will use the plant description to construct a small scale 3-dimensional model of the plant using the art supplies provided.

(20 minutes)

Group members will take digital photos of the final model.

Groups will then explain their models in detail (from an ecological perspective).

The ‘real’ plant will be revealed to the groups.

Each group will download the image of their model to this PowerPoint presentation and answer the corresponding questions/items presented at the end.

Goal: Students will explore ecological principles such as biodiversity, adaptations, habitats, significance of geography & weather, conservation/preservation,& relationships between plants with humans and other organisms.

Mystery Plant #1

Massive, jug-shaped trunk for storing large amounts of water

Can live for over 1,000 years Flowers are white, fruits vary in

shape (globular or oval shaped), with purple stamens

Branches are usually found at the crown, spread horizontally, and appear twisted

Tropical Climate

Mystery Plant #2

Its deep roots penetrate the Earth farther than most plants.

Can survive long periods of drought and famine. Strong & provides shelter to many animals. Has a single narrow trunk or branching near the

trunk with foliage that appears at the crown – causing an often flat topped appearance.

Leaves are short, grey and hairy Giraffes are one of only a few animals who can

get its leaves directly off of the tree. Its fruits provide food and nourishment. Has creamy spherical flower heads

Mystery Plant #3

Straight, clean trunk (2-4 ft) with a small fairly full crown

Prefers medium moisture Deciduous leaves that are deep

green during the spring/summer Spreading, horizontal star-shaped

leaves Aromatic Brown seed balls

Mystery Plant #1

Native to Africa; Found in Kenya and West Africa

Massive, jug-shaped trunk for storing large amounts of water

Can live for over 1,000 years

Flowers are white, fruits vary in shape (globular or oval shaped), with purple stamens

Branches are usually found at the crown, spread horizontally, and appear twisted

Tropical ClimateThe Baobab Tree

Mystery Plant #2

Found in Kenya and on the Africa continent

Its deep roots penetrate the Earth farther than most plants.

Can survive long periods of droughts and famine.

Strong & provides shelter for many animals.

A single narrow trunk or branching near the trunk with foliage that appears at the crown – often causing a flat topped appearance.

Leaves are short, grey and hairy Giraffes are one of only a few

animals who can get its leaves directly off of the tree.

Its fruits provide food and nourishment.

Has creamy spherical flower heads

The Acacia Tree

Mystery Plant #3

The Sweet Gum Tree

Ornamentally cultivated in St. Louis, its primarily found in the Eastern United States

Straight, clean trunk (2-4 ft) with a small fairly full crown

Prefers medium moisture

Deciduous leaves that are deep green during the spring/summer

Spreading, horizontal star-shaped leaves

Aromatic Brown seed balls

WOW, Isn’t it fun being a PLANT MASTER!!!

Now, let’s do a little comparing and contrasting.

The Baobab Tree

List each of the descriptors and discuss any related adaptations and the advantage of the adaptation.

Ex: 1. Massive jug

shaped trunk—important because…

Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

The Baobab Tree

Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

The Baobab Tree - Inquiries

Why do you think this tree has continued to live on Earth for so many years?

Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

The Baobab Tree - Inquiries

How is The Baobab Tree important to the environment and or ecosystem?

Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

Plant Masters…

What did you learn from this activity?

The Acacia Tree

Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

List each of the descriptors and discuss any related adaptations and the advantage of the adaptation.

Ex: 1. Deep roots—

probably helps…

The Acacia Tree

Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

The Acacia Tree - Inquiries

Which do you think evolved first, the long Giraffe necks or the tall trunk of the acacia tree and why?

Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

The Acacia Tree - Inquiries

How is The Acacia Tree important to the environment and or ecosystem?

Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

Plant Masters…

What did you learn from this activity?

The Sweet Gum Tree

Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

List each of the descriptors and discuss any related adaptations and the advantage of the adaptation.

Ex: 1. Clean straight

trunk—important because …

The Sweet Gum Tree - Differences

Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

The Sweet Gum Tree - Inquiries What are some

advantages to the Sweet Gum Tree’s appearance and design? (i.e., color, deciduous, full, etc.)

Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

The Sweet Gum Tree - Inquiries What are the

advantages of the Sweet Gum tree seed balls?

Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

The Sweet Gum Tree - Inquiries Why is the Sweet Gum

Tree important to our ecosystem or environment?

Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

Plant Masters…

What did you learn from this activity?