Procedure :
Students will go to a prairie, or use plants in class or in a school or home garden.
Individual students or pairs of students work on each worksheet.
In turn, look at each plant, identify it, write its name, draw a sketch from life that shows its adaptive
parts, and write a short description of its adaptive parts.
Example:
Illinois Bundle Flower
Lives in dry-mesic soil
Leaves are small and they close up, which lets them retain
water.
Seeds are hard and pointed (can catch hold of passing crea-
tures) and curved (can move farther in air)
Assessment :
Students present their findings to the class (at least one per student) orally or visually). Whole class
discussion or small group discussion can help those whose results are incomplete. Each students should
be able to find one adaptation on each plant. More practice in whole class or with peer can improve
Prairie Activity - Plant Adaptations - page 2 of 3
Illinois Goals and Standards addressed:
Goal 12: Standard B: Know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with one
another and with their environment. Early elementary through junior high.