Aliens Plants Among Us

Written from the perceptive of an Alien, this complete 5E lesson focuses on invasive plants. First students become aware of what they are and the activities culminate with a community aware... See More

Written from the perceptive of an Alien, this complete 5E lesson focuses on invasive plants. First students become aware of what they are and the activities culminate with a community awareness activity about these unwanted species. The reader is given background information about invasive species as well as the diffusion and control of them. The resources provide support for further understanding. This is an excellent way to learn about biodiversity and plant interdependence.

Springtime activities

So, you and I both know that those wonderfully fragrant, colorful border plantings that we have at our homes are technically not environmentally sound. But how do we encourage our students t... See More

So, you and I both know that those wonderfully fragrant, colorful border plantings that we have at our homes are technically not environmentally sound. But how do we encourage our students to consider what gets planted in the yard, especially when we are trying to get them to "think green." As we approach the end of the school year, we and our students are anxious to get outside. How about taking them on a schoolyard field trip, and get them to identify native and non-native species? This provides a bit of a platform for discussion of environmental contexts, especially when our ornamental captive escape to the wild - such as the honeysuckle, garlic mustard, and burning bush. How do they affect the environment, and the natural balance? Can they be controlled without damaging the delicate balance even more? The authors suggest that we don't usually hear about the benign invasions of plants, but they are every bit as dangerous as invasions of animal species. Although activities are