Plant Travel: Studying the World through Ecosystems

In the following activity, students will examine and research the ecosystems depicted in primary source images of plants and animals found in various countries around the world. Students will then use the skills they learned analyzing primary source images to examine and research the ecosystems of plants and animals around their school building. Students will be judged according to their performance during class discussion, a writing assignment, and a poster presentation. 

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will understand how to conduct research individually and in groups, analyze primary sources, take scientific field notes, lead class discussions, prepare and present presentations, complete writing assignments, and build critical thinking skills. 

Essential and guiding questions: 

How is it possible for the same plant or animal to grow successfully in different parts of the world? 

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding

Helpful Hints

LESSON MATERIALS:
Image sets from the Library of Congress:

  • Images of Hollyhocks
  • Images of Potatoes
  • Images of Mulberry Trees
  • Images of Wheat
  • Images of Horses
  • Images of Dogs

Worksheets:

  • Plant Travel Writing Prompt
  • Plant Travel Poster Checklist
  • Phone app: Leafsnap (designed by Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution)

Supplies:

  • Blank, white sheet of paper
  • Plastic snack bags
  • Poster board
  • Thumb tacks, stapler, art supplies