Plant Science

What is plant science?

If science is the study of nature, than plant science must be the study of plants. What do we do when we study plants? There are many things that we can do when we study plants. Everything from dissecting seeds to growing forests is experienced by people who study plants. Plants (scientists call them flora) are everywhere we are, so why not give them a closer look!

What projects or exhibits can I do in plant science?

Begin by looking at the great resources listed below. 4-H has lots of ideas for you to get started toward a blue ribbon!

• Look at different seeds. What are some differences that you see? Make a collection of seeds and describe the differences seen. Have your friends and family try to guess what the seed will grow into. While looking at these seeds think about how they move from place to place and how they are protected from predators eating them. Write a story about a seed and how it feels to grow up. Do you think a maple tree seed has the same experiences as a dandelion seed?
• Why are some flowers red, yellow or orange? Investigate why flowers have different shapes and colors. Why do some smell and others do not? Plan an investigation that involves your friends, neighbors and family. Place each flower under their nose, one at a time, asking them to decide which flowers smell the best, the worst, or have no smell. How could you plan this so that they don't know the name or the kind of flower before smelling them? Create a chart showing your findings, and include some reasons why you think flowers "smell".
• Try growing a plant in different types of soil. Using the same plant, place one in sand, one in clay, one in soil from your yard, and one in potting soil. You can use any kind of soil that you find. Just make sure to keep a journal of what soil you use and the feel, smell, and texture of the soil. Place the plants in the same light and give them the same water. Keep track of what happens to the plants after 10 days, 20 days, 50 days, as long as you have time to keep a record. Make a graph that shows what happened to the plants. How could you plan the same experiment testing light, or water?
• Look for mushrooms. Where do you see them growing? Why might they be growing there? Investigate the differences between mushrooms and other plants. Make a poster that shows the differences. What are some benefits of mushrooms or some non- benefits? Include many kinds of mushrooms on your poster and some information about them. Start a collection of different types of mushrooms.
• Go to a local park that has some woods. Look for wildflowers. Draw or take pictures of the flowers that you see. Think about why these flowers grow here and not in your yard. Try to identify the flowers that you drew or took pictures. Come back every week and look for changes. Are the same flowers there? Investigate flowers that are found in others states or parts of the country. Are the same flowers found in other regions? Why might there be some differences? Create a book showing your picture collection and talk about the differences seen. List some values of wildflowers

Resources about plant science

• Order publications or use the online ordering system
• Visit Connecting Learning and Living to learn all about growing gardens and other agriculture issues.
• Exploring the World of Plants and Soils Unit 1
  Start with the basics of plant and soil science-soils, plant and flower parts, plant reproduction, and effects of environmental factors on plant growth.
• Plant Reproduction Unit 2
  Discuss sexual and asexual reproduction, function of flower parts, germinating seeds, and plant breeding
• Genetically engineered Fruits and Vegetables NCR 551
• Iowa's Spring Flowers IAN 301 (pdf)
• Iowa's Summer and Fall Flowers IAN 302 (pdf)
• Benefits and Dangers of Iowa Plants IAN 303 (pdf)
• Iowa's Trees IAN 304 (pdf)
• Seeds, Nuts, and Fruits of Iowa Plants IAN 305 (pdf)
• Iowa's Mushrooms and Nonflowering Plants IAN 306 (pdf)

Links

• Explore More about the environment.
• Iowa EE Learn more about environmental education in Iowa.
• EPA Student Pages
• More environmental links

Left Image: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada . Vol. 2: 369.

Right Image: US National Arboretum