Edible and Medicinal Plants

 

 

Grade Level: 7^th grade life science

Learning Standard: S2a, S2c, S2d, S2e

Time Requirements: Approximately 2 hours preparation time and 2 hours class time. Approximately 2 – 2.5 hours at the site.

Topics covered by this lesson:

Edible Plants

Pre-Visit:

Purpose: Discuss traits of plants and Brainstorm uses of plants in everyday life

Objective:

     To understand the diversity of plants

Materials Required: Peterson Guides, examples of foods, apples, celery, cinnamon sticks and powder, sesame seeds, lettuce, flowers (iris, gladiolus, tulip are all good), hand lenses

Student Learning Prerequisites:

Use of hand lens

  Use of nature guides

Basic knowledge of plant anatomy

 

Visit:

Upon arrival at the garden, proceed to the Green School in the basement of the conservatory. Participate in predetermined exploration of common plant uses activity in which each group examines samples of item such as cacao seeds, cinnamon, allspice etc. Walk through conservatory and check out tropical food plants such as mango, coffee, papaya, breadfruit etc. Proceed in small groups to the forest and look for a specific plant. Take a sample leaf for classroom herbarium and make observations about the plant and its surroundings. Return to large group with sample and observations.

Post Visit:

Assessment: Students create a class herbarium with the sample leaves and research their plants. Include modern and ethnobotanical uses. Bind as a book.

Extensions and Suggested Homework Assignments: Look in newspaper (e.g. Science Times), on the web and on TV for stories on current uses of botanicals in medicine. Research these stories further and create a short essay with pictures on the medicinal value of these plants today.

Possible questions that may be brought up:

Teacher reflections (include what to change next time):

  What would a better extension be (how could more learning modalities/intelligence's be engaged)?

How could I let the groups have the feeling of being free in the woods without them getting lost /scared?

 

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