Reproductive Parts of the Plant The Flower Helena

Reproductive Parts of the Plant: The Flower


Notes for the Adult

The plant has 6 parts. The vegetative parts: (leaf, root & stem)The reproductive parts: (flower, fruit & seed)

The lessons for each of these parts start with the main function because they provide the foundation for understanding. Afterwards you have different choices in terms of which lesson to do next. You can keep the interest going by giving different groups in your classroom different follow-up lessons. This leads to a dynamic classroom. You want the children to be so interested in these lessons that they are begging you for a lesson. This is appealing to their imagination and their reason. Always start each of these lessons with a story because a story is what captivates the children’s imagination. Our goal is not to teach it’s to inspire. Give these lessons again for the 9-12 class.


Nomenclature

Corolla (Latin corolla = garland or crown) Petals of the flower collectively; Floral envelope.

Petal (Greek petalon = leaf) Any of the separate parts of the corolla of a flower.

Pollen (Latin pollen = mill dust, fine flour) Reproductive cells from the stamen.

Calyx (Greek kaluptein = to hide or veil. Some sources suggest Greek kylix, cup) Sepals of the flower collectively.

Sepal (Named by N.J. de Necker in 1790.). Any of the separate parts of the flower calyx.

Stamen (Latin stâre = to stand) Male reproductive organ of a flower.

Filament (Latin filum = thread) Stalk of a stamen

Anther (Greek antheros = flower) Terminal part of a stamen, where pollen matures.

Pistil (Latin pistillum = pestle) Female reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of ovary, style and stigma.

Style (Latin stilus = writing tool) Slender extension of the ovary bearing the stigma.

Stigma (Greek stizein = to tattoo) Terminal part of ovary, at end of style.

Ovary (Latin ôvum = egg) Hollow, basal part of pistil, containing ovule/s.

Receptacle (Latin recipere = to receive) The expanded tip of the flower stalk that bears the floral organs.

Perianth (Greek peri = around and + anthos = flower) The outer part of the flower consisting of the calyx and corolla

Inflorescence (Latin inflorescere = to begin to blossom)The part of the plant at the end of the stalk – The blossom (= sepals + petals + stamen + pistil)


Main Function: The Story of the Flower

Materials: A n attractive bouquet of flowers with multiple colors and varieties

Tell this story alongside a bouquet of cut flowers.

Do you know that when the flower is out on the plant it's actually calling out?

Make a gesture of shouting by putting your hand over your mouth and mimicking a shout.

Their call is quiet but very loud. It's a voice of color and a voice of scent.

Make a lout audible sniff of your bouquet when you do this.

Do you know what that voice is saying? Come here, come to me, come to visit my wares. Some of the flowers are red, pink yellow and purple.

Include the colors that are in your flower arrangement.

They are very attractive. Being called the insect comes. Mmmm. I am looking for some very special sweet juice thinks the insect but the flower thinks to herself, Ha! You come for my juice but I have something even more special. I have a special powder for you. What a treat! So in course of looking for that sweet juice the insect gets dusted with that special powder and then he's off. He' gone. He is looking for more juice in another flower. In his journey he often leaves the powder that he has collected for one flower on another flower. That is the job of the flower.

Transfer directly into Parts of the Flower or pause here.


Parts of the Flower

Purpose To provide manipulative experiences, impressions and explanations that lead the children to a better understanding of the function of flowers.Introduction to the parts of a flower.

Materials Flower specimen/s with parts that are easy to find and identify (e.g. lily, azalea)

Classified NomenclatureDissection tools Reference Books

Presentation

Can be given immediately following the main function of the flower. Have an actual specimen that has all 4 parts: the calyx, corolla, stamen and pistil.

Here we have a flower. Look at this part right here that's called the calyx. The word Calyx comes from the Latin word calix which means cup. See the calyx looks like a little cup.

The calix is made up of sepals. This is a sepal. This is a sepal. These sepals all make up the calix.

This part right here is called the corolla. The word corolla comes from the Latin word corolla meaning garland or crown and it looks like a crown. The corolla is made up of petals.

Look right here see this part. This is called the stamen. All of these are stamens. The word stamen comes from the Latin word stare meaning to stand. They look like this and look here they are standing up. The stamen is the part of the flower that produces the pollen.

Look at this part this is the pistile The word pistile comes from the Latin pistillum meaning pestle. It looks like a pestle. The pestle is the part of the plant that accepts or attracts the pollen.


Parts of the Pistil and Parts of the Stamen

Parts of the Stamen

Here is my stamen. This part right here at the tip is called the anther. The word anther comes from the Greek word anther meaning flower. The anther is the part of the stamen that produces the pollen. The word pollen comes from the Latin word pollen which means mill dust or fine flour (baking flour). The part of the stamen that holds up the anther is called the filament. Filament comes from the Latin word filum which means thread. They look like really thin threads.

Parts of the Pistil

Look at our pistil here. See this top part of the pistil. It's called the stigma. The stigma is still because it's job is to collect the pollen and this part of the pistil is called the style and it has the stigma on it's end. Look at this part right here. That is called the ovary and inside the ovary you have the eggs and the word ovary comes from the Latin word ovum which means eggs.

Transfer:

Go outside to collect flower specimens and bring them back so that we can start to identify the parts together.

Notes:At this point send the children outside to explore. Get the children out so that they have an opportunity to see flowers and their parts for themselves. Before they go out you need to give them a lesson on how to pick flowers. If they are collecting flowers from another classroom you need to practice and model grace & courtesy. When they are outside seeing for themselves they are going to make discoveries.

Among the discoveries:Not every flower has all the parts Different flowers have different number of stemsSometimes parts are joined together and sometimes they are free

Prepare your environment so that they can make some of these discoveries.


Varieties of Flowers Based on Parts, Including Position of the Ovary

When the children come back with collections help them to observe their specimens carefully so that they can begin to identify parts and are ready to start learning the characteristics:

Do one pair of characteristics at a time: Polypetalous or Gamopetalous Polysepalous or Gamosepalous Complete or Incomplete Perfect or Imperfect Hypogenous, Perigynous or Epigynous

After enough experience with one set of characteristics you can introduce another set.

Polypetalous or Gamopetalous

Look at these petals. These petals are not joined they are free. Look at this corolla. These petals are joined. They are not separate and they are not free.Flowers that have petals that are not joined are called polypetalous. Flowers that have petals that are joined are called gamopetalous.We have 2 kinds of flower polypetalous and gamopetalous.

Transfer:Go outside and look for polypetalous and gamopetalous flowers.

Examples of Polypetalous Flowers: roses, strawberries, apples, azaleas, hibiscus,Examples of Gamopetalous Flowers: morning glory, petunias, gloxinia

Polysepalous or Gamosepalous

Can you see the calex? These sepals look joined but these sepals are not joined (roses).Flowers that have sepals that are joined are called gamosepalous. Flowers that have sepals that are free are called polysepalous.We have 2 kinds of flowers polysepalous and gamosepalous.

Transfer:Go outside and look for polysepalous and gamosepalous flowers.

Examples of Polysepalous Flowers: roses, applesExamples of Gamosepalous Flowers: gloxinnia, holyhock, foxglove

Complete or Incomplete

Let's see if this specimen has all 4 parts. Flowers that have all 4 parts are called complete flowers. Flowers that lack a part and it doesn't matter which part are called incomplete.We have 2 kinds of flowers complete or incomplete.


Transfer:Go outside and see if you can find flowers with incomplete parts.

Examples of Complete Flowers: Peas, beans, apples, cherry and azaleaExamples of Incomplete Flowers: Begonia, squash, pumpkins and catkin.

Discoveries the Children might make:Some flowers will have a pistil but no stamen or a stamen but not pistil.Pistilate flowers: Only pistilStaminate Flowers: Only stamen

Perfect or Imperfect

This flower has its pistil and its stamen. Flowers that have both the stamen and the pistil are called perfect flowers.If the flower is lacking either a pistil or a stamen they are called imperfect flowers.We have 2 kinds of flower perfect or imperfect.

Transfer:Go outside and see if you can find flowers that are perfect and flowers that are imperfect.

Examples of Perfect Flowers: Amaryllis, Lilly, Iris, Orchids, Apples, Strawberries, CherriesExamples of Imperfect Flowers: Begonia, Catkins, Squashes, Pumpkins


Position of the Ovaries

Materials Biology Chart O: Position of the OvariesFlower specimens with a variety of ovary positions

This is the hardest of the classification to see. The only way is through dissection. These classifications that we use are the basis for scientific classification.

Hypogynous Perigynous Epigynous

PresentationFlower parts are in relation to the ovary. The ovary is part of the pistil. Show chart and orient the children to the chart:

I have a chart here about the flower. Here is our pistil and our stamen. These are the ovaries.

Point to the top illustration on the chart:

If the flower parts are below the ovary we call this position hypogynous.Hypogynous comes from 2 Greek words hypo meaning below and gyno meaning female.

Point to the middle illustration on the chart:

If the flower parts are around the ovary we call this position perigynous.Perigynous comes from 2 Greek words peri meaning around and gyno meaning female.

Point to the bottom illustration on the chart:


If the flower parts are above the ovary we call this position epigynous.Epigynous comes from 2 Greek words epi meaning above and gyno meaning female.

Examples of Hypogynous Flowers: Buttercup, MagnoliaExamples of Perigynous Flowers: Rose family (but not all roses)Examples of Epigynous Flowers: Apples, Dandelions, Sunflowers

Simple Classification

This is a small but essential activity. The child can do simple classification with any parts of the plant with (the roots, the stems, etc).

Take from your botany nomenclature materials the labels for the pair of characteristics that you want to show. You can also have the picture of the 2 characteristics but use the pictures with no labels. Take out the labels and use them as headings. Underneath put your picture cards if you’re going to use them. Then invite the children to go and collect and classify as many plants from the environment and from other classrooms that fit that criteria. Then they have to return all the plants they collected.

This is called simple classification because you are just taking a pair. You want to encourage this activity with all the classifications that you have. The children will be using the names, the nomenclature. Then they will have to look very carefully at all the specimens.

The children don't always agree on whether a flower is gamo or poly. They have to defend a position, argue with each other, articulate and defend their position. Persuade each other. Compromise. Learning how to compromise is part of the work of the elementary. Then making a choice or decision based on reason or observation. This develops the human potential.

Elise added: This is really orienting to the children and good activity to do with new children.

GamopetalousPolypetalous


How Flowers Ensure Pollination

Purpose To introduce some of the pollination methods adopted by plants.Introduction to the variety to be found in plants, specifically in flowersPreparation for plant classification.Introduction of related nomenclature.

Materials As many as possible real specimens, plus pictures of other examples.

Bee pollination (color): Blue or yellow flowersBees and butterflies (fragrance): Scented blue/yellow flowersLines and spots (indicators) as guides: Orchid, iris, alstromeriaMoth pollination: White flowers (Jasmine)Keeping out unwanted insects: Nasturtium, columbine, larkspur Flies/wasps/hornets pollination: Cuckoo pint, African StapeliaBird pollination (red): Hibiscus, fuchsiaSpecialized tubes: Petunia, snapdragonWind pollination: Grasses, conifers, oaks, birch trees, maples and alders. Ear of cornComposite flower: Asters and daisies

Presentations:

How Flowers Ensure Pollination:Look at how hairy the bee is. This helps it collect pollen. Look for the pollen sack on the bee.Butterflies have great big long tongues (proboscis) watch the butterfly fly. Sometimes you can see them insert the tongue into the corolla. Not just insect pollinate but other animals do as well.Sometimes corollas have landing pads, and then the stamen comes down and lands on the insect.

Flowers That Invite All to Visit:There are certain flowers that invite everyone to the restaurant. They want to make sure that everyone comes. In fact they put up a sign that shows the direction to the restaurant. Here is an example. Show Iris. We call this the indicators. Examples: Iris, Pansies, Tiger Lilly, Violets

Flowers that Invite Specific FriendsSometimes the flowers is very picky about who she wants to come to her restaurant. She only wants certain friends. You know what? The flower who only wants certain friends to come has developed different ways to invite friends to come. This flower right here only wants friends who have a long proboscis or a long tongue.You know those friends that are excluded. Do you think they are happy about that? They want that nectar! They may not have long tongues but they still really want the nectar. Like the wasp. He just steals it. He goes to the sepal and he chews through the corolla to get to the nectar. That's why it's called the robber wasp. This flower only wants certain friends. Friends that are heavy and can carry the pollen away. What it does not want is a bold insect. Do you know what it did? It grew a barricade of fringe to make it difficult for this bold insect to get inside. The function of the fringe is to keep ants away.


Flowers with Special PartsSome flowers are really accommodating to their friends and make it really easy for their friends to visit the restaurant and in fact they provide a landing pad.Examples: salvia, lupines

Who Advertise and HowSometimes it's not the flowers that does the advertising. Sometimes it's the leaf. The leaf has been modified in order to attract insects. Examples: Poinsettia, Dogwood, Bougainvillea

Sometimes Flowers Collaborate with each other in order to attract insects. This is not one flower it's a bouquet of flowers. These are all flowers and they collect together to attract an insect.Example: queen Anne’s lace, Sunflower

Some flowers don't always depend on their color. They depend on scent, Their smell. They decide to attract insects at night. The competition is just too much during the day. These flowers are usually white because you can see white at night easier than you can see other colors. Their fragrance is powerful as well. It's the scent that calls to the insect. Not all the flowers that depend on scent are fragrant. Sometimes they stink! They smell bad, they smell like rotten meat but there are some insects that enjoy that smell. These are the flies and the wasps.Examples: Honeysuckles, gardeniasExamples: Stapelia, Trillium

Other Ways to Ensure PollinationIt's not always insects that pollinate flowers. Sometimes it's other animals like birds or bats. Usually the birds have a very long beak in order to gather the nectarines. Sometimes it's not even animals that do the pollination. Sometimes it's the wind.Plants that depend on the wind for pollination usually produce the flowers very early in the spring before all of the leaves come out in the plant. These flowers make a profusion of pollen. That's why we are always sneezing in the spring time. That wind just blows the pollen from plant to plant in order to pollinate other flowers. These flowers that depend on the wind, they are not big and showy and colorful. They are usually small and inconspicuous. They might be brown and green because they don't depend on animals. They don’t need to be as showy.

Follow-up Activities:

Have books about flowers and insects. The flowers is conducive to artwork. Children like to draw them. When they draw flowers they are looking very carefully and closely. Have drawing pencils, colored pencils, pastels, water colors. Do 3 dimensional art with sculpey, colored sculpey or with foil painted with acrylics, pressed flowers. They can do rubbings of different specimens, crayon rubbings. Send them to botanical gardens. Let them see varieties that they can't find locally. Send them to farmers markets. Have books where they can make other discoveries.

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Reproductive Parts of the Plant The Flower Helena