Some resources from federal government sites are currently unavailable; when possible, we’ve provided alternative non-government links to ensure continued data access.

Plant Families & Food Ecology

Provided by: FoodCorps |Published on: May 24, 2024

Lesson Plans

Synopsis

In this hands-on lesson, 3rd graders will observe and draw the leaf from a plant, then look for similarities in other plant species to identify plants in the same family.
Students will record the characteristics of their leaf, identify their plant and its family, and find students who have leaves from the same family.
This project is intended to be completed using leaves from plants in a school garden, with 25 common garden plants that have been grouped and identified to choose from.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Science

Authors: FoodCorps

Region: Global

Languages: English

View Resource

Teaching Materials

Positives

There is a section devoted to self-reflection where students reflect on their group's efficacy and their behavior in the garden.
The lesson includes several extension activities to deepen student understanding.

Prerequisites

This lesson centers around having a class garden. Students without a class garden may be able to visit a community garden or use images of the plants instead.
This lesson is 50 minutes long.
Teachers will need to collect leaves and print the worksheet before teaching the lesson.

Differentiation & Implementation

In reading classes, students can read a book about plants or gardens before this lesson. Then, teachers can tell students to act as plant detectives to make connections to their reading.
Science teachers can discuss the importance of having many different plant families in a garden and the role of biodiversity in adapting to climate change.
Teachers can begin with this lesson to introduce a unit about plant and animal adaptations and how they help an organism survive in their environment.
Teachers who do the dichotomous key activity can extend it by showing students a dichotomous key for local tree species.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

FoodCorps

FoodCorps partners with schools and communities to nourish kids’ health, education, and sense of belonging. Our Americorps members serve alongside educators and school nutrition leaders to provide kids with nourishing meals, food education, and culturally affirming experiences with food that celebrate and nurture the whole child. Building on our service program, FoodCorps develops leaders, grows networks, and advocates for policy change in service of every kid’s health and wellbeing.

Related Teaching Resources

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.