NY Botanical Gardens: Middle Grades

Biodiversity

Grade Level: 7

Learning Standard:

Time Requirements: 1 period pre-visit, 1 post-visit period

Topics Covered: biodiversity, biomes, botanical economics

Pre-Visit:

The aim of this field trip is to: Study the botanical contrasts between several biomes. Compare botanical characteristics and processes between plants in different biomes.

Students should have a basic understanding of plant anatomy and physiology. Definitions of rainforest, desert and deciduous woodlands will be outlined. Basic botanical processes will be reviewed: propagation, photosynthesis,

defense, food production and storage. A flower dissection will lead to a discussion of the differences between monocots and dicots.

Visit:

Students begin their trip in the conservatory and work their way from the rainforest through to the desert. In each biome they should identify plants in terms of:

being monocots or dicots

economic use

medicinal use

mode of propagation

survival adaptation

a sketch of the plant

Students then move through the NYBG Forest. They will attempt to identify as many tree and plant species as possible using identification sheets. After becoming familiar with the variety of plants and trees students will study small 10 x10 meter sectors to make an evaluation of the botanical population in terms of diversity and frequency.

Post Visit:

Class discussion comparing the three different biomes observed in terms of biodiversity, adaptive characteristics of its plants and interesting economic uses.

Assignment:

Choose one of the plants observed at the Gardens and research its economic use, survival adaptation or survival pressures. Write a report on his research.

Assessment:

Worksheets and notes from the trip together with the research paper.

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