As one of their scientific investigations, students got into groups and learned about plant adaptations. “Do you know what air plants are because you’re going to be taking care of them!” After looking at students’ confused faces, we read two articles on air plants that covered what they are and how to take care of them. We also watched an episode of Magic School Bus where the kids are in the rain forest. My kids got super excited when the word “Bromeliad” was mentioned. I don’t think a group of kids have ever yelled and cheered in excitement to hear those words during that show! Anyways, since the articles were focused on air plants in tropical climates, the students hypothesized how much outdoor air, sunlight, and water their plant would need to survive in the California desert climate. They took care of their plans over the course of a few months.
After several months, only a few plants survived.
Tips:
- Pick a strong species of air plants. Some of the air plants had such delicate leaves that they were crushed within a few weeks. The ones pictured above survived some abuse.
- Make a carrying case. Since air plants grow on trees, the carrying case made out of straws were perfect for hanging.
- Color code straws by group.
- Be careful on windy days.
- Designate group leader, daily observer, watering leader, and indoor/outdoor liaison leader (the person who brings the plants in and out).
- Send out a letter to all classrooms instructing students that my class is doing a science investigation and that the plants are not to be touched, only looked at.
- Have a designated student take the plant home during winter break and spring break.
- Keep their science logs digital, either on Google docs or Google Classroom.
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