What makes a daisy a daisy? And what does a daisy do? Students learn techniques for observing, collecting, identifying, and preserving plants. They then apply these skills to their own field sites as part of a study of local biodiversity. Hands-on activities help them hone their observation skills and learn how to identify and classify specimens. Students put these skills to work in the field, observing plants and collecting specimens to press and preserve.

		Plant Identification Curriculum Materials for grades 6 through 10 Do you know how to identify your plant specimens, or how to preserve them so you can study them many times in the future? Find out in this in-depth, hands-on lesson in biodiversity.
		PDF [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 428kb] [pages: 25] More about this Resource

		Plant Identification, Abridged Curriculum Materials for grades 6 through 10 Plants are pretty amazing when you stop to consider that they are able to create their own food—and provide it for animals. Learn how to identify the amazing plants in your area.
		PDF [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 315kb] [pages: 15] More about this Resource

		Dichotomous Key for Conifers Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12 Like all dichotomous keys, this one for conifers, fittingly looks like a series of branches. Gather a twig that has the tree’s cones or fruits on it. Then branch out and identify your conifer.
		Webpage Webpage PDF More about this Resource

		How to Use a Dichotomous Key Article for grades 6 through 12 It doesn't matter if the dichotomous key you plan to use is on paper or interactive—either way, your first step is to closely observe the specimen you want to identify. Get tips about what to look for.
		Webpage More about this Resource

		Some Clues to Describing and Understanding Organisms Activity for grades 6 through 12 At a loss for words when it comes to explaining your biodiversity findings in the classroom, field, or lab? Increase your vocabulary—and observation skills—with this guide to gathering clues.
		Webpage More about this Resource

		Who Are the Plants? Article for grades 6 through 12 There are 10 divisions in the plant kingdom. The largest order, flowering plants, has 235,000 species. The smallest, gingkoes, has a single species. Learn more about the orders in the kingdom Plantae.
		Webpage More about this Resource

		Types of Oak Leaves Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12 Long and narrow like a feather or small and symmetrical like a rose petal—the variety of oak leaves runs the gamut. See if your leaves match any of the 12 varieties featured in this sheet of hand drawings.
		PDF [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 60kb] [pages: 1] More about this Resource

		Responsible Collecting Article for grades 6 through 12 Collecting specimens is necessary for studying and documenting new species—making responsible collecting all the more important. Find out how you can practice it.
		Webpage [pages: 1] PDF [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 285kb] [pages: 4] More about this Resource

		Collecting Plants Article for grades 6 through 12 The New York Botanical Garden has plant specimens that date back to the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804-1806. What better place to learn how to protect and store your botanical treasures?
		Webpage [pages: 1] PDF [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 354kb] [pages: 4] More about this Resource

		How to Identify Plants in the Field Article for grades 6 through 12 When it comes to identifying plant species, making mistakes is part of the process. That's why this botanist and curator recommends, "Never erase anything!"
		Webpage [pages: 1] PDF [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 274kb] [pages: 3] More about this Resource

		How to Press and Preserve Plants Activity for grades 6 through 12 Autumn leaves, flawless fronds, prickly grasses, and perfect petals—all are great specimens to be noted and preserved. Find out how to press like a pro.
		Webpage More about this Resource

		How to Mount Dried Plants Activity for grades 6 through 12 You've dried and perfectly pressed your plants. Now what? See how to mount and protect your specimens so you can study and enjoy them for years to come.
		Webpage More about this Resource

		Plant Inventory Article for grades 6 through 12 With an entire habitat in front of them, how do scientists actually inventory the entire site? Find out their tricks of the trade; then apply the principles to your own small site.
		Webpage [pages: 1] PDF [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 251kb] [pages: 2] More about this Resource

		Plant Report Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12 Tiny scale, needle, strap-shaped, or broad leaf? Before you can identify a plant, you need to determine its distinct characteristics. Learn what to look for with this report template.
		PDF [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 15kb] [pages: 2] More about this Resource

		Weather Report Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12 You don’t need high-tech equipment like an anemometer to measure the wind speed at your field site. This easy-to-complete weather report helps you classify the wind’s speed by observing its effects.
		PDF [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 10kb] [pages: 1] More about this Resource

		Profile: Brian Boom Article for grades 6 through 12 A combination of luck and circumstance helped Brain Boom find a way to rebel against his parents while doing something interesting and adventurous. Find out what it was.
		Webpage [pages: 1] PDF [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 41kb] [pages: 2] More about this Resource

		Profile: Liz Johnson Article for grades 6 through 12 The New York metropolitan area has a wide variety of plants and animals. This manager of biodiversity programs at the museum wants to help people better understand how to live compatibly with them.
		Webpage [pages: 1] PDF [plugins: Adobe Acrobat; filesize: 41kb] [pages: 2] More about this Resource

		Guide to Finding a Local Specialist Article for grades 6 through 12 Looking for a biodiversity field trip that's close to home? Or need help identifying a species you've found? Your best bet is to consult a local specialist. Learn how with this guide.
		Webpage [pages: 1] More about this Resource

		Listing of Herbaria Reference List for grades 6 through 12 Herbaria are cataloged collections of herbs and other dried plant specimens. Learn where to find these excellent resources for identifying and studying plant species.
		Webpage More about this Resource

		Plant Morphology Evidence and Analysis for grades 6 through 12 From leaf margin and arrangement to the parts of a flower and a corn seedling, take an illustrated look at plant morphology with this collection of guides.
		Webpage More about this Resource

		Tips for Identifying Poison Ivy Article for grades 6 through 12 Did you know that the first time you come in contact with poison ivy, you probably won't get a rash? Every time after that, though, is a different story. Learn how to spot different varieties.
		Webpage More about this Resource