In this lesson plan, students will use information found on the TIDES site in order to study plants native to Texas. They will lean how to identify plants, which plants are edible, what the parts of a plant are called, and how to plan a Native Texas Plants Garden. Students will also learn how to make a cattail rope, writing a “How To” for the process complete with illustrations.
Created by Linda Huff, July 2006
The student is expected to:
determine the purpose of listening for information 4.(1)(A) connect informational ideas through listening and writing 4.(4)(A) answer critical thinking questions 4.(10)(K) contrast ideas across text and media 4.(11)(D) recognize different organization of information 4.(12)(B) use charts to organize information 4.(13)(B) produce reports using visuals to support meaning 4.(13)(F) use the writing process for assigned writing 4.(19)(A-H)
TEKS §110.6. English Language Arts & Reading, Grade 4.
The student is expected to:
describe Native American regional plant life 4.(1)(A) translate geographic data into a variety of formats 4.(6)(B) describe ways people adapted to and modified their environment 4.(9)(A) create written and visual material 4.(23)(D)
TEKS §113.6. Social Studies, Grade 4.
The student is expected to:
measure to solve problems involving length 4.(12) idenify the math in everyday situations 4.(14)(A) use a problem solving model that incorporates understanding the problem, making a plan, carrying out the plan and evaluating the solution 4.(14)(B)
TEKS §111.16. Math, Grade 4.
The student is expected to design original artworks 4.(2)(B)
TEKS §117.14 Art, Grade 4.
The student is expected to:
represent the natural world using models 4.(3)(C) identify and describe the roles of organisms in living systems 4.(5)(A) identify the characteristics a plant needs to survive and reproduce 4.(8)(A) compare the adaptive characteristics of various species 4.(8)(D)
TEKS §112.6. Science, Grade 4.
The student is expected to use equipment safely and properly 4.(5)(A)
TEKS § .Physical Education, Grade 4
Read about the “Edible Plants” of Texas in the Texas Parks and Wildlife article on Native Americans (pp.14-15). Answer the critical thinking questions on the Edible Plant Fact Sheet.
Students will listen to the guide's explanation of rope making and take notes. Using the writing process, write a “How To” composition sequencing the steps of making a cattail rope. Include illustrations to go along with the steps of the process.
Students will pretend they are botanists. They will choose one plant from the virtual tour to sketch in its native surroundings. Include labels, habitat information (regional location), and plant uses.
Plan your own garden. Make a 4-inch by 5-inch plot. Divide it into four equal sections. Place four different Texas plants in each section. Using this garden plan, answer the math problems on the Garden Math Sheet.
Student will pretend they are botanists. They will choose two plants from the virtual tour to sketch in their native surroundings. Label the parts of each plant, its nutritional requirements and the environment it thrives in.
Make a Native Texas Plants Garden: using the information you have gained from the above activities, choose at least 5 Native Texas plants. View each of the garden plans from the math lesson above and choose one plan to recreate in a small area outside your classroom. Be sure to read the research given for each plant's needs.
Lesson Materials:
First Botanical Description of Texas Edible Plant Fact Sheet Garden Math Sheet Thumbnails of Native Plants Edible Plants (pp. 14-15), Texas Parks and Wildlife Vea esta lección en Español aquí
Links to Related TIDES Art Activities:
