This interactive map allows students to see where different plants grow around the state of Oregon.
Students can search by several different categories or just type a plant name into the search bar.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This resource is layered and interesting; it will keep students engaged and learning for extended periods of time.
Students at different levels will find success using this resource.
Additional Prerequisites
You must click "Load Records" in the left-hand menu to get the map to load.
Students should be familiar with the map of Oregon and some of the plants that are native to the area.
Consider providing a short list for students who may need help getting started.
Differentiation
Connections can be made in health classes discussing where food is grown in Oregon.
Middle school students would likely benefit from using this resource together as a class before working in groups or independently.
Have students search for specific areas or plants based on their interests and report back to the class about their learning.
With some prep work, this resource would pair excellently with a scavenger hunt. Create a list of clues relevant to your class and have students use the database to find the answers.
Scientist Notes
This interactive map displays information about and the distribution of different plants in the state of Oregon. The map also has additional information about the plants and datasets they are in. The site has a tutorial on how to use the map and additional resources and information are available. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
MS-LS2-1 Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
MS-LS2-4 Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
HS-LS2-6 Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
LS4: Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
HS-LS4-5 Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in: (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Geography
D2.Geo.10.6-8 Analyze the ways in which cultural and environmental characteristics vary among various regions of the world.
D2.Geo.3.9-12 Use geographic data to analyze variations in the spatial patterns of cultural and environmental characteristics at multiple scales.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Reading: Science & Technical Subjects (6-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.4 Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 11-12 texts and topics.
