Instructional Unit - Carnivorous Plants (Digital Download)

A Comprehensive Instructional Unit for Middle and High School - Carnivorous Plants Appropriate for: Classroom, Activity Periods, 4H, Science Club, Independent Study, Home School and more. 8.5"x11" - 90 pages.      Experience has shown us that there are three topics in science that are very interesting to students: bubbles, spiders and carnivorous plants. No matter the age, simply blowing a bubble will hush most students. Seeing a spider crawl across a teacher’s hand quickly elicits reactions in kids. Witnessing an insect being trapped by a Venus Flytrap sparks a series of comments and questions. Plants that eat insects seem innately so contrary to Nature that they evoke a natural curiosity in students. Many kids are familiar with the Venus Flytrap and once they realize that these plants need wetlands in order to grow, they quickly appreciate the uniqueness and value of this habitat.      Carnivorous Plants are a wonderful vehicle for teaching and learning. They are fascinating to learners of all ages and can swing the doors of learning wide open for inquiry science. A major problem has been the lack of sufficient materials to support teachers. This curriculum project tackles this situation head on by providing a rich cache of useful materials for a wide range of student ability levels. Folks new to the world of carnivorous plants think they are difficult to grow. Just the opposite is true. The requirements of carnivorous plants are few, but strict: use mineral-free water and soil, and keep the soil constantly wet.      Successful completion of this unit requires large numbers of carnivorous plants. When purchased from a tissue culture supply house, the price is about ±$2 a plant. However, most of the plants propagate easily and quickly. If you plan ahead of time, it is possible to turn a dozen Venus Flytraps in the early spring into several dozen plants by fall. Do not be fooled. Large numbers of plants can be inexpensive and easy to obtain. Many suggestions for obtaining the plants are made in the “Working With Carnivorous Plants and Students” section of this unit. A greenhouse is not necessary either. Carnivorous plants love light and a sunny window sill is sufficient. Of course, a greenhouse or lighted plant cart would serve this unit well, but neither is necessary. This unit is designed to capitalize upon cooperative groups and inquiry science. It develops high-level thinking skills and promotes good habits of mind in science. The unit is designed to take a full grade period to complete. It is not a simple one-week supplemental unit. The unit could be a course in itself. The project gives students a wonderful arena to develop strong inquiry skills and emphasizes the processes along with the content of science.      Carnivorous plants are fascinating. They are fun and can open creativity in student thinking. This product is a digital download and will be delivered as a secure link via email.