Explore Plant Adaptations in Your Community!

Materials

1. Notebook for keeping records of what you see and do
2. Pencil or pen for taking notes
3. Plant field guide book or an app like iNaturalist (Android)(Apple) to identify what you find
4. A ruler to take measurements
5. A bag or backpack to help you carry your materials

Optional Materials

1. Colored pencils, crayons, or markers for adding color to your notes and drawings
2. Magnifying glass or hand lens for a taking a closer look
3. Tweezers to pick up tiny seeds or insects
4. Small plant press to preserve specimens
5. Bags and small boxes for things you collect
6. Drinking water, snacks, and a sun hat for you

Places to Go

1. Local park
2. Playground
3. School yard
4. Your yard
5. Nearby field
6. Botanical garden
7. Nature center

Things to Do

1. Draw or trace the shapes of leaves. Make notes on the location of plant or its name (if you know it).
2. Also try leaf etchings.
3. Look for insects living on leaves and stems. How many kinds can you find? Draw and measure them.
4. Document the different kinds of plants you find. How many kinds of trees, shrubs, or flowers do you find?
5. Is any one plant most “popular”? Which plant is most rare?
6. Make rubbings of tree bark (like making leaf rubbings, only press paper to the side of the tree trunk).
7. What adaptations do you notice? Can you make any guesses about the plants’ native environments?