In this lesson, students learn that plants have adapted to survive in a “native” environment and require less maintenance in that environment. Students then develop a list of landscape plants recommended for your school garden’s site conditions.
Standards (Microsoft
Word Document)
Materials:
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Internet access and plant reference books
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cactus plants (or another of your choice)
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different types of soils
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pots
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clear 2-liter plastic bottles
Background
All plants have basic needs — light, water, space to grow, nutrients, air — but different plants require them in different quantities. Some plants need a lot of sunlight, while others need less. Some require more nutrients to thrive, and some require less. Over eons, each species has adapted to the basic conditions available in the environment in which it has evolved. Many plants will grow in other environments, but they almost always grow best when the new conditions are similar to those of their native range.
(Note: Non-native species introduced to regions that are similar to their native conditions can become invasive in the new environment. This is because the natural pest predators and competing plant species that usually keep their population
in check are absent. Examples include plants such as kudzu and purple loosestrife.)
Using plants adapted for your environment helps create a sustainable landscape and makes better use natural and financial resources. Get students thinking about adaptations and environmental conditions by discussing the following questions:
1. Challenge students to consider how they might demonstrate the fact that different plants need different growing conditions. If they need a hint, ask them what they know about the various biomes that exist on Earth.
You can easily demonstrate the principle that different species have different needs by asking students to grow a single plant species in a variety of conditions. If you use a plant that grows in an extreme environment, such as a desert-adapted cactus, you’ll see results quickly. Here’s how to proceed:
a. Obtain four identical cactus plants.
b. Plant one in sand, one in garden soil, one in sand with a clear plastic bottle covering the pot to create a humid environment, and one in garden soil with a clear plastic bottle covering the pot.
c. Track growth and development and ask students to draw conclusions. Discuss the benefits of growing plants that are well adapted for your environment, including:
- They need less water and fertilizer
- There are fewer problems with insects and diseases
- The plants grow more vigorously
2. Individually or in groups, have students research plants that are well adapted to your region. Information is available on the Internet, in garden reference books, and from local sources. Consider inviting a guest speaker from your local Cooperative Extension Service Office or native plant society.
3. Use this information to create a recommended plant list for your area to distribute to the community. Begin by asking students, What kinds of information must we provide so that people can decide which plants will grow well in their conditions? (Sun, soil, and moisture conditions preferred by each plant.)
4. Have the class use this list to determine which of the native plants they’ve learned about are best adapted to your school garden site. Invite students to create signs or
a brochure that explains why they included each plant in the garden.
Digging Deeper
History: Research native plants important to the history of your state or region. Create a library display to share the information with others.
Social/Cultural Studies: Explore the role and importance of native plants in the United States and abroad using NGA’s free online curriculum, Mountain Adventures: Exploring the Himalayas, Andes, and Appalachians.
English: Have students write articles explaining the benefits of growing native plants, and profiling the qualities of specific natives. Select a few articles to place in your school or community newsletter.
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