Botany is the scientific study of
plants. Many people think that science is hard. However, if you start
at the beginning and take it in small steps, botany like any other
science does not have to be difficult, and can even be fun (especially
if you don't have to worry about a grade). I am suggesting some
observational activities and some experimental activities. I will
attempt to put them in order from simplest to more advanced, well sort
of. Students should
start with activities well within their ability, then try progressively
more difficult ones as they stretch and extend the limits of their
knowledge and ability. Teachers can
adapt activities to the maturity and experience levels of their
students. Many of the beginning activities may be suitably
adapted to students from kindergarten through college level. Parents
may find some of these activities can be used to entertain
preschoolers, and to alleviate vacation boredom of older
children. Parents and kids working together on an activity
creates togetherness and "quality time". In fact parents might
like to do some activities for their own
benefit, and maybe just let the kids look on. There is nothing
more motivating to a student than to have parents show an active
interest in learning.
What is growing in your yard? 