Lesson Plan: Nature's Gardeners - Understanding Pollination by

Main Learning Objective

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:39:25 UTC

Students will be able to explain the process of pollination and describe how different animals (especially bees) help in plant reproduction.

Victorian Curriculum Alignment

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:39:26 UTC

Australian Curriculum - Science Understanding (Biological Sciences): Living things depend on each other and the environment to survive (VCSIS054. VCSSU043, VCSIS050)

Success Criteria

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:39:26 UTC

• I can explain what pollination is.
• I can identify at least 3 different pollinators.
• I can describe how pollination helps plants reproduce.
• I can explain why pollinators are important for our environment.

Discussion Question

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:39:26 UTC

Show your class an apple and ask: 'How did this apple grow? What had to happen before we could have this fruit?' Lead into discussion about flowers and pollination.

What is a Pollinator?

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:39:27 UTC

Present key concepts about pollination using the video. After watching, create a class mind map to collect student observations about pollinators.

Guided Practice

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:39:29 UTC

In pairs, students will create a simple model of a flower using paper craft materials, showing pollen, stigma, and petals. We encourage you to upcycle art equipment in your classroom. Students can then act out the pollination process using their model.

Interactive Games

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:39:30 UTC

Students will complete the 'Be a Pollinator' interactive game, recording their observations in their science journals.

Exit Ticket (5 mins)

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:39:30 UTC

Students complete the sentence: 'Pollination is important because...'

Class Discussion

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:39:30 UTC

Share 3-4 exit ticket responses and discuss as a class what would happen if there were no pollinators.

Pollinator Spotter

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:39:31 UTC

Students observe their school garden for 10 minutes and record any pollinators they see (with adult supervision). Compare the results over a few days, or even a few weeks if the season is changing and make note of what the garden looks like at the same time. Discuss what changes.

Creative Writing

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:39:31 UTC

Write a short story from the perspective of a bee helping flowers reproduce.

Optional Extension

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:39:31 UTC

Create a simple poster showing the relationship between pollinators and the foods we eat.

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:42:43 UTC

We hope you enjoy exploring our unit on Pollination!

We’d be thrilled to welcome you and your class to the Geelong Botanic Gardens for an engaging learning experience outside the classroom.

To complement your lessons, we recommend visiting the Geelong Botanic Garden for our Natures Gardeners lesson, or you could take a self-guided tour around the Gardens to deepen the concepts learned in class.

If you’d like to book either an educator-led or self-guided experience, please follow the link below.

Book an education program at the Geelong Botanic Gardens

Geelong Botanic Gardens Education Department

Pollination Explained

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:45:42 UTC

Global Temperature Map Analysis

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:51:04 UTC

Using the world temperature map template below, students color-code regions where pollinator activity might be affected by temperature changes. They can discuss how these changes might impact food production in different areas. Materials: World maps, coloured pencils, temperature data cards.

Flower Dissection Investigation

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:51:17 UTC

Students work in pairs to carefully dissect different types of flowers to identify and label the main parts involved in pollination (stamen, pistil, pollen, etc.). Using magnifying glasses, they can observe and draw the different parts in their science journals. Materials needed: Various flowers, magnifying glasses, scissors, science journals.

Pollinator Paradise Design

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:51:29 UTC

Students design and draw their ideal pollinator garden, researching and including plants that attract different types of pollinators. They must consider flowering seasons and climate requirements. Extension: Create mini garden models using craft materials.

Climate Change Timeline

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 01:51:40 UTC

Create a visual timeline showing how pollination patterns have changed over recent decades due to climate change. Students add pictures and facts at different points on the timeline and discuss possible future scenarios. Materials: Long paper roll, markers, climate data cards.

Flowers in Disguise: How Insects See Differently

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-01-28 02:00:57 UTC

Use this PowerPoint presentation to explore how insects see flowers differently and how this impacts on their pollination journey

World Map Template

GeelongBotanicGardens — 2025-02-02 23:18:56 UTC