Lesson I Something is Happening to Our Woods, Waters and Wildlife
Overview: Students are introduced to Florida’s unique aquatic and terrestrial plants while learning the difference between native, non-native and invasive plants along the way. They’ll also learn why native plants are important to our natural areas and the costly impacts that some non-native invasive plant species are having on our environment and economy.
PPT = PowerPoint™ Presentation |
UE = upper elementary |
MS = middle school |
HS = high school |
Part 1 - Have You Seen Your Backyard Lately?
Key Points
- The difference between aquatic and terrestrial plants;
- Benefits of native plants;
- Criteria used to determine if a plant is native, non-native or invasive;
- The difference between a non-native and invasive plant species;
- How non-native and invasive plants get here;
- Ecological impacts of invasive plants. (Why should we care?)
- Actions we can take to help solve the problem.
Keywords
aquatic plants hydrilla, invasive plants, native plants, non-native plants, terrestrial plants, water hyacinth (See Silent Invaders Teacher Guide for definitions.)
Concept Map
Coming soon.
Main Activities
- “Silent Invaders” PowerPoint™ (UE, MS, HS) -- This 50-slide presentation is a basic introduction to terrestrial and aquatic plants found in Florida along with the concept of native, non-native and invasive plant species. The program features many captivating photos and illustrations to explain the difference between the three and how non-native and invasive plants are introduced to our natural areas. It ends with positive actions we can all take to help prevent the spread of invasive plants. Includes viewing questions, answers, and vocabulary. PowerPoint™notes coming soon.
- Freshwater Plant Puzzle Observation Activity (UE, MS) - Students increase identification and observation skills by assembling a jigsaw puzzle and observing an illustrated freshwater plant landscape.
After assembling the puzzle, students identify five native and five non-native plants using both scientific and common names and then provide a description its "habit." Magnifying glass included. (A companion activity to Who Am I? (A Plant Guessing Game.)
- Florida Native and Invasive Plant Research Activity (UE, MS, HS) - Students investigate Florida native plants and their role in a local ecosystem.
- Silent Invaders Crossword Puzzle - (MS, HS) Students develop vocabulary by reading clues and filling in the correct term in a puzzle.
- Silent Invaders Word Search - (MS, HS) Students will develop vocabulary by searching for and identifying key words related to native, non-native and invasive plants.
- History of Native Plant Uses in Florida – Students are introduced to native plants in their region and learn how they were used by Florida pioneers (edible, medicinal, trade, etc.). - Coming soon.
- Three Cloze Reading Passages- (UE, MS) designed to enhance reading comprehension; students choose the most appropriate word (from a word bank) to complete passages about native, non-native and invasive plants. - Coming soon.
Lab Activities
- Aquatic plant ID - Coming soon.
- MAGNIFY IT! (UE, MS, HS) – An activity designed to introduce students of all levels to leaf shapes and flower parts, an important step in identifying and classifying plants. (Classroom magnifier sets available upon request.)
- Magnify It! Flower Parts (PDF 387 KB) - to be printed front/back
- Magnify It! Leaf Shapes (PDF 401 KB) - to be printed front/back
- Glossary of Leaf Shapes (JPEG 207 KB) - Resource to accompany Magnify It! activity
- Glossary of Flower Parts (JPEG 208 KB) - Resource to accompany Magnify It! activity
Additional Resources (activities, fact sheets, labs, illustrations, etc.)
Part 2
