This document describes the facilities, grounds, and resources of the Cispus Learning Center in Randle, Washington, and presents lessons plans for outdoor and environmental education. The Cispus Learning Center is located on a tree-clad 45-acre site bordering Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southeast Washington. Constructed in 1964-65, the…

This document, concerning the 4-H horticulture project, includes a leader's guide and three youth activity guides. The leader's guide can be used to plan group project meetings that are both fun and educational. Activities can be adapted to various age groups. The leader's guide includes basic information for growing plants indoors and outdoors,…

This book introduces children to the exciting outdoors and their important relationship to the environment. Through quality hands-on activities, students become aware of their vital connection to the earth and are instilled with a sense of their place in the world. Chapters cover themes that range from life cycles and animal signs to climate and…

What organisms have adapted to life in environments ranging from the ocean floor to desert sands, from frigid the tundra to the deepest, darkest jungle? None other than plants! From microscopic algae to the largest trees, millions of plant species have evolved in every habitat on the planet. In Plant Biodiversity, learn how plants developed in the…

Plants are vital to all other life on this planet - without them, there would be no food, shelter or oxygen. Luckily, over millions of years plants have developed many different features in order to survive and reproduce. In Plant Reproduction, students will discover that primitive mosses and algae are dependent upon water for their reproduction.…

This paper discusses the benefits of having gardens at schools. School gardens are a practical and effective way to connect children with nature, teach hands-on science and environmental education, and beautify barren school grounds. In order for all United States schools to establish gardens, school ground improvement must become an important…

Current research in plant genetics is described. Benefits of this research (which includes genetic engineering applications) will include reduction/elimination of crop diseases, assurance of genetic stability, and the creation of new crop varieties. (JN)

Suggests the use of spores and spore-producing structures to show adaptations facilitating spore dispersal and dispersal to favorable environments. Describes several activities using horsetails, ferns, and mosses. Lists five safety factors related to use of mold spores in the classroom. (DS)

Describes a laboratory exercise which applies Koch's Postulates to a plant disease, bacterial speck. Includes an explanation of Koch's Postulate, list of equipment needed, advance preparation, outline of the three-week activity, and variations of the laboratory exercise. (DS)

Described are some experiments on geotropism that may be done using dandelions. (PB)

Techniques are described for using living plants in the elementary science classroom including the germination and planting of seeds, transplanting seedlings, vegetative propagation, stem and leaf cuttings, and other plant studies. (DS)

Describes an exercise using dandelion floral stems to demonstrate the movement of water through cellular membranes. (CS)

Suggests outdoor activities that involve small groups of children in discoveries about grasses and weeds. Included are activities with dandelions, plantains, chickweed, clover and fescue. (CS)

Presents a science activity that enables students to carefully examine the root system of a plant and to understand that roots-specifically root hairs-are needed so that water and nutrients can be absorbed. Includes student data sheet and extension activities. (DDR)

Describes an art lesson where students used watercolors to paint a flower bouquet arranged in a vase. Explains that the students viewed examples of flower bouquets by artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Odilon Redon. Discusses, in detail, the process of creating the artworks. (CMK)