Did you know there are over 300,000 species of plants? We grow plants for food, use them to decorate, and even make medicine with them.
Complete this challenge to learn about some of the plants around you.
To earn your badge, complete ONE activity for each section. Then, log your experience using the link at the bottom of the page.
Section One
Go on a Scavenger Hunt – Explore your yard, nearby park, or TLC preserve and see how many items on this Spring Plants Scavenger Hunt you can find.
Observe a Plant – Find a flower outside. Use this Flower Anatomy guide to identify the different parts of your plant.
Learn about Pollinators – Research pollinators and find out what they do and who they are. Then find a patch of flowers to observe for at least 15 minutes. Count how many different pollinators stop by. Some flowers have adapted to attract certain pollinators. Based on what you learned and observed, did your patch of flowers seem to attract a specific pollinator?
Section Two
Grow a Plant – Grow a plant from seed. If you don’t have spare seeds laying around, you can use one you find in your food (oranges, apples, etc). Care for your plant by watering it regularly. Watch them sprout into seedlings!
Dye a Flower – Dying flowers is a fun way to visualize how plants transport water from their base to their leaves. Pick a flower from outside. White flowers work best, but we encourage you to experiment with different colors. Trim its stem on an angle, place it in a vase, and add water. Then, add 3 drops of food coloring. After an hour, how does your flower look? What about after a day? Observe your flower daily until the petals have completely changed color.
Painting with Plants – Collect different types of plants and use them as a paintbrush or stamp.
