1. Plant Masters Can you design a plant using only your knowledge of plants, a few basic ecological principles, and a brief list of mysterious plant characteristics? Of course YOU CAN !!!!

2. Project Description: In this activity:  Each group will be given an large envelope with the characteristics of a certain plant listed inside.  Each group will use the plant description to construct a small scale 3-dimensional model of the plant using the art supplies provided. (20 minutes)  Group members will take digital photos of the final model.  Groups will then explain their models in detail (from an ecological perspective).  The ‘real’ plant will be revealed to the groups.  Each group will download the image of their model to this PowerPoint presentation and answer the corresponding questions/items presented at the end. Goal: Students will explore ecological principles such as biodiversity, adaptations, habitats, significance of geography & weather, conservation/preservation,& relationships between plants with humans and other organisms.

3. Mystery Plant #1  Massive, jug-shaped trunk for storing large amounts of water  Can live for over 1,000 years  Flowers are white, fruits vary in shape (globular or oval shaped), with purple stamens  Branches are usually found at the crown, spread horizontally, and appear twisted  Tropical Climate

4. Mystery Plant #2  Its deep roots penetrate the Earth farther than most plants.  Can survive long periods of drought and famine.  Strong & provides shelter to many animals.  Has a single narrow trunk or branching near the trunk with foliage that appears at the crown – causing an often flat topped appearance.  Leaves are short, grey and hairy  Giraffes are one of only a few animals who can get its leaves directly off of the tree.  Its fruits provide food and nourishment.  Has creamy spherical flower heads

5. Mystery Plant #3  Straight, clean trunk (2-4 ft) with a small fairly full crown  Prefers medium moisture  Deciduous leaves that are deep green during the spring/summer  Spreading, horizontal star-shaped leaves  Aromatic  Brown seed balls

6. Mystery Plant #1  Native to Africa; Found in Kenya and West Africa  Massive, jug-shaped trunk for storing large amounts of water  Can live for over 1,000 years  Flowers are white, fruits vary in shape (globular or oval shaped), with purple stamens  Branches are usually found at the crown, spread horizontally, and appear twisted  Tropical Climate The Baobab Tree

7. Mystery Plant #2  Found in Kenya and on the Africa continent  Its deep roots penetrate the Earth farther than most plants.  Can survive long periods of droughts and famine.  Strong & provides shelter for many animals.  A single narrow trunk or branching near the trunk with foliage that appears at the crown – often causing a flat topped appearance.  Leaves are short, grey and hairy  Giraffes are one of only a few animals who can get its leaves directly off of the tree.  Its fruits provide food and nourishment.  Has creamy spherical flower heads The Acacia Tree

8. Mystery Plant #3 The Sweet Gum Tree  Ornamentally cultivated in St. Louis, its primarily found in the Eastern United States  Straight, clean trunk (2- 4 ft) with a small fairly full crown  Prefers medium moisture  Deciduous leaves that are deep green during the spring/summer  Spreading, horizontal star-shaped leaves  Aromatic  Brown seed balls

9. WOW, Isn’t it fun being a PLANT MASTER!!! Now, let’s do a little comparing and contrasting.

10. The Baobab Tree List each of the descriptors and discuss any related adaptations and the advantage of the adaptation. Ex: 1. Massive jug shaped trunk— important because… Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

11. The Baobab Tree Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

12. The Baobab Tree - Inquiries  Why do you think this tree has continued to live on Earth for so many years? Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

13. The Baobab Tree - Inquiries  How is The Baobab Tree important to the environment and or ecosystem? Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

14. Plant Masters… What did you learn from this activity?

15. The Acacia Tree Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here List each of the descriptors and discuss any related adaptations and the advantage of the adaptation. Ex:  1. Deep roots— probably helps…

16. The Acacia Tree Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

17. The Acacia Tree - Inquiries  Which do you think evolved first, the long Giraffe necks or the tall trunk of the acacia tree and why? Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

18. The Acacia Tree - Inquiries  How is The Acacia Tree important to the environment and or ecosystem? Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

19. Plant Masters… What did you learn from this activity?

20. The Sweet Gum Tree Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here List each of the descriptors and discuss any related adaptations and the advantage of the adaptation. Ex:  1. Clean straight trunk—important because …

21. The Sweet Gum Tree - Differences Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

22. The Sweet Gum Tree - Inquiries  What are some advantages to the Sweet Gum Tree’s appearance and design? (i.e., color, deciduous, full, etc.) Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

23. The Sweet Gum Tree - Inquiries  What are the advantages of the Sweet Gum tree seed balls? Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

24. The Sweet Gum Tree - Inquiries  Why is the Sweet Gum Tree important to our ecosystem or environment? Insert a Digital Photo of Your Model Here

25. Plant Masters… What did you learn from this activity?