Botany

Botany studies begin with a look at the life cycle of plants and presentations which explore the importance of plants to human and animal life.  Students are encouraged to look at the many ways that plants provide for our fundamental needs.  They do this with a variety of independent research projects.  Botany studies continue with presentations of nomenclature and impressionistic charts which detail the basic needs of plants, their parts, and the functions of these parts.  Students study roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits.  They learn about plant reproduction, pollination, phyllotaxis, photosynthesis, monocotyledons and dicotyledons, succulent and dehiscent fruits, seeds and the means by which they travel, and alternate means of regenerating.  They learn about the system of scientific classification with materials such as the Five Kingdoms Chart and the Plant Classification Chart.

All botany studies are supported by experiments that illustrate how the plant meets its needs, how plant systems function, and the importance of plants to the ecosystem.  Students are actively involved in growing, caring for and observing plants in the classroom.  Botany work also parallels studies in geography, history and zoology that explore the role of plants on Earth.  It is our goal that the children understand, from these studies, the interdependence of all life forms and the custodial role humans must assume to protect and preserve life on Earth.