EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
ROSES IN THE CONCRETE WORKBOOK
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
1
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
Introduction (VR)
Directions: After using the VR google you understand just how amazing it
would be for a Rose to grow the concrete. Is this really possible? Could a
Rose actually grown in the concrete? Use the space below to write your
explanation. Be prepared to share with your partner.
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
2
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
Lecture Notes
Directions: Use the space below to write your notes. The teacher explained
important ideas like Adaptation, Specialized Structure, and adjusting to the
environment. Use the space below to answer to questions using what you
learned from your teacher.
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
3
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
Quick Read
Plant Adaptations
Plants live almost everywhere on Earth. To live in so many different places, they have
changed themselves so they can survive and make more plants in every environment.
All plants have special features so they can live on land. Or are they? All living plants
today have plant ancestors, but some plants now live in the water. They have had to
change so they can live in their watery habitat.
Adaptations to Water
Water plants are plants that live in water. Water plants are plants that live without
being in dirt. Living in water can be good. One good thing is that they have a lot of
water. There is a lot of it and it is all around. Therefore, most water plants do not
need special features for taking in and moving water around. They can save energy
and by not using roots or thick leaves to save water. Another good think about living
is water is that they do not need strong water parts to stand tall. When water plants
live in water, the water holds the body of the plant us without having to grow thick.
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
4
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
Living in water does make things hard for water plants also. For one thing, spreading
water by wind or animals is not an option under water, so water plants may have
changes that help them keep their flowers above water. For example, water lilies
have bowl-shaped flowers and broad, flat leaves that float. This allows the lilies to
collect the most sunlight. If plants did not have this change, the light would not be
able to travel very deep below the water. Plants that live in moving water, such as
streams and rivers, may have different changes. For example, cattails have narrow,
strap-like leaves that shrink their resistance to the moving water.
Adaptations to Air
There are other plants that grow on other plants. They obtain moisture from the air
and make food by photosynthesis. The scientific name for these plants is Epiphytes.
Most epiphytes are ferns or orchids that live in tropical or hot rainforests. The trees
that the plants live on provide support, allowing the epiphyte plants to get air and
sunlight high above the forest floor. Being high above the ground lets epiphytes get
out of the shade on the floor of the jungles so they can get enough sunlight for to
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
5
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
make energy from the sun. Being high may also lower the risk of being eaten by
animals that eat plants.
Animal Adaptations
The characteristics of a living thing helps it to survive in its environment. Scientists
call these changes in characteristics adaptations. Adaptations are traits that living
things get from its parents. Within a group of living things there are genes that pass
down characteristics. For example, a group of humans may have genes for eyes that
are blue, green, hazel, or brown, but as far as we know, not purple or lime green.
Adaptations (or changes) develop when certain changes or differences in the groups
help some living things survive better than others. The changes may already be real
within the population, but often the variation comes from a mutation, or a random
change in a living thing’s genes. Some mutations are harmful and the living things
die; in that case, the variation will not be helpful and stay in the family genes. Many
adaptations are small and stay in the family. If the environment changes, the
adaptation may be good and it may help the living survive in the environment. The
living thing that survives will pass this good trait on to their children.
Many changes in the genes of a community can add up over time, especially if the
environment is changing. Eventually the children will be very different from their
ancestors and may become a whole new species. Changes in the genes of living
things over time are known as evolution.
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
6
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
Reading Quick Write
Directions: Use the space below to answer explain what you learned from the
reading:
(1) What is a plant adaptation?
(2) What changes can plants make when the live in place with very little
water?
(3) What are Epitphytes? Why are they special?
(4) What type of animal adaptations do you know about?
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
7
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
Special Structure Video
Directions: You will watch an amazing video of plant adaptation. Use the
space below to write what you noticed.
(1) What types of adaptations did you notice?
(2) What did you like most about these adaptations?
(3) How did these changes help the plants live in their environment?
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
8
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
A Quick Field Trip (VR)
Directions: We will use our goggles to take a quick field trip to two locations.
After watching the videos, use the space below to write what you learned
about animal and plant adaptations.
(1) What type of special adaptations did you notice in the zoo?
(2) What types of special adaptations did you notice about the Roses in
the rose garden?
(3) Why does the environment matter or the plant and animal
adaptations?
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
9
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
10
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
Laboratory (VR)
LABORATORY
When we look at animals and plants they have special features that help them
survive in their environment. Plants that live in dry places have adaptions to
store as much water as they can. Animals in cold weather places thick fur and
skin to keep them warm. Today you are a creator! You get the chance to
create an animal and a plant with special adaptations.
Directions: You teacher will give you a number (1, 2,3, or 4). Write that
number on your laboratory paper. The Number will show you the type of
environment your plant and animal will grow.
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
11
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
Use the plant Parts and animal parts below to build your specialized plant and
animal.
PLANT PARTS
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
12
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
ANIMAL PARTS
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
13
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
14
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
ANIMAL SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS
DIRECTIONS: Use the table below to write down the name of the body part
for your animal. Be sure to explain how each part has a specific job for the
environment.
NAME OF PART
WHAT DOES IT DO?
WHY IS IT IMPORTAN FOR
YOUR ENVIRONMENT
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
15
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
PLANT SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS
DIRECTIONS: Use the table below to write down the name of the body part
for your Plant. Be sure to explain how each part has a specific job for the
environment.
NAME OF PART
WHAT DOES IT DO?
WHY IS IT IMPORTAN FOR
YOUR ENVIRONMENT
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
16
EQUITY IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
Building a Perfect Plant & Animal for Our Community
Directions: We know our community. We have lots of trees, cars, and people
walking around. This could make it tough for animals and plants in our
community to grow strong. You job is to create a short video explaining
what the perfect animal and plant is for our community. Using what you
know, design a perfect plant and animal for our community. Be sure to
explain why they are good for our community. In your video explanation be
sure to use words like Adaptation, Environment, and explain what the
adaptations are.
http://scienceinthecity.stanford.edu
17