Plantworks
An Education Program suitable for Years 3 – 6
Program Snapshot
The focus of this program explores the structure and function of plants and their
fascinating adaptations; students investigate plant/animal interactions such as
pollination and carnivory and explore amazing examples of plant survival in arid
and rainforest habitats.
A learning environment rich with endless possibilities, the plants and landscapes
of the Royal Botanic Gardens inspire children to question, imagine, create, and to
share their ideas.
The program provides excellent opportunity to address AusVELS, while
connecting your students to the natural world. Please visit our website for our
AusVELS program guides.
All of our programs allow scope to provide choice for students’ experiences,
interests and learning styles.
Focus Topics
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plants as part of ecosystems
human intervention and plant survival
plant parts, structure and function
photosynthesis and other systems
plant adaptations
plant reproduction
Experiences
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Microscopes
Students use microscopes to look closely at the
intriguing world of plants investigating plant defenses,
reproduction and seed dispersal mechanisms.
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Propagation
Through the propagation of an indigenous seedling
students explore the needs of plants, water, sunlight
and nutrients, through plant structure, the roots, shoots,
leaves and flowers.
Significant Plants and Places
Fern Gully - Exploring Roots and Shoots
There’s more than one way to get to the light! Shoot systems are not all the
same…Some climb to the light such as vines, some grow tall and straight
such as the kauri pine while others hitch a ride, like the birds nest fern!
Students also explore different root systems such aerial roots, buttress roots and
fibrous roots.
Beware of the Carnivore!
Some of the most interesting plants are the carnivores. They have always attracted
the interest of explorers and scientists, particularly Charles Darwin who studied the
sundew. The pitcher plants or nepenthes get first prize for their beautiful and
sophisticated trapping equipment. They are climbing plants that twist their tendrils
around trees whilst others are found in marshy and sandy soils deficient in nitrogen.
Tropical Fever
The Tropical Hothouse is home to a wealth of weird and wonderful plants that have adapted
to high rainfall and little sunlight. Students are able to explore drip tips, large and colourful
leaves, and the many food plants such as vanilla, bananas, pineapple and cocoa.
Fruits and Flowers
Students explore the amazing diversity in shape, colour and size of plant reproductive
structures. Orchids for example are the great deceptors of the plant world, enticing insects to
their pollination traps, by resembling the shape of the insect through their flower appearance
and scent. Other orchids attract flies as pollinators by emitting the delightful fragrance of
rotten meat!
Plant Defenses
Plants are organisms that cannot flee from their predators when they are about to be eaten
but many plants such as stinging nettle have fascinating defense mechanisms. The slightest
touch to the stinging hair causes the hooked end of the hair to break off and the hypodermic
tube pierces the skin and allows the stinging fluid to enter. Many useful properties are found
in nettles which are used for cosmetics, tea, cloth and as a source of vitamins.
Session Times:
Morning sessions
10.15am –12.00noon
Afternoon sessions 12.30pm –2.15pm
Please speak with our Booking Officer if these times
are not suitable.
Contact
The Education Booking Officer
on 03 9252 2358
Email: [email protected]
Or visit our website at
www.rbg.vic.gov.au/learn