Project Description
Plant Power
Level: Suitable for Foundation to Level 6
Duration: 50 minutes
Delivery: via Zoom video conferencing
Numbers: each workshop is capped at a maximum of 30 learners
Activities
Junior Session (ages 5-9)
Observe the key features of a plant’s anatomy under a digital microscope
Test the conditions needed to germinate a seed
Reveal the inner workings of a plant’s stem
Extract chlorophyll and other pigments from leaves
Make a model of seed that uses the wind to distribute itself
Senior Session (ages 9-12)
Observe the key features of a plant’s anatomy under a digital microscope
Test the conditions needed to germinate a seed
Reveal the inner workings of a plant’s stem
Extract chlorophyll and other pigments from leaves
Investigate the enzymes present in pineapple
Make a model of seed that uses the wind to distribute itself
Required Materials
Junior Session
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flower with leaves | 1 |
| Magnifying glass (optional) | 1 |
| Dry seed (large; e.g., dry butter bean) | 4 |
| Paper towel sheet | 4 |
| Zip lock bag (15cm x 9cm) | 4 |
| Celery (pref. with leaves) or cabbage leaf/white flower | 4 stalks |
| Glasses or cups | 4 |
| Food dye | 4 colours |
| Leaves (mix of different plants and colours) | 2-10 |
| Paper (A4) | 1 |
| Helicopter seed print-out | 1 |
| Paper clip | 1 |
| Scissors | 1 |
| Rolling pin or mug | 1 |
Senior Session
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flower with leaves | 1 |
| Magnifying glass (optional) | 1 |
| Dry seed (large; e.g., dry butter bean) | 4 |
| Paper towel sheet | 4 |
| Zip lock bag (15cm x 9cm) | 4 |
| Fresh pineapple, papaya or kiwifruit (alternatively meat tenderiser) | 1/4 cup |
| Cooked or tinned pineapple, papaya or kiwifruit | 1/4 cup |
| Gelatin or agar (pre-set the night before) | 2 glasses |
| Celery (pref. with leaves) or cabbage leaf/white flower | 4 stalks |
| Glasses or cups | 5 |
| Food dye | 4 colours |
| Leaves (mix of different plants and colours) | 2-10 |
| Paper (A4) | 1 |
| Helicopter seed print-out | 1 |
| Paper clip | 1 |
| Scissors | 1 |
| Hot water | 1 cup |
| Rolling pin or mug | 1 |
Curriculum Links
Living things have a variety of external features and live in different places where their basic needs, including food, water and shelter, are met (VCSSU042)
Living things grow, change and have offspring similar to themselves (VCSSU043)
Living things can be grouped on the basis of observable features and can be distinguished from non-living things (VCSSU057)
Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (VCSSU074)
- Participate in guided investigations, including making observations using the senses, to
explore and answer questions (VCSIS051) Safely use appropriate materials, tools, equipment and technologies (VCSIS067)