Lesson Summary
This lesson gives students the opportunity to notice details in the Brassica flowers. They can then compare and contrast these features to flowers from other plants and identify the functions of each of the structures. The Brassica is part of the crucifer family. Students will be able to learn more about that plant family in this lesson.
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Teacher Background
Brassica plants belong to the family Cruciferae. All of the plants in this family share the same arrangement of 4 flower petals in the shape of a crucifix, or cross. The male parts of the plant include the stamen (consisting of the anther and filament). The Brassica flower has 4 tall stamens and 2 shorter ones. The female parts of the plant are the stigma, the pistil, and the ovary, which contains the ovules (eggs). The stigma is sticky and sits atop the pistil. It is the part of the plant where pollen is received. If this part of the process is successful, pollen tubes are sent down to the ovules. If pollen then reaches the ovules, pollination occurs, and new seeds are produced.
Set-up/Management Tips
- You will be pollinating soon, so you will want to be watchful of when flowers open up.
- The flex cam is a terrific tool for showing detail in this lesson.
- This is a good time to look at the male and female parts of a lily, as all of the parts are very visible, and children can feel the sticky stigma. Teachers can invite a local florist in to talk or just ask a floral shop to donate some older lilies for classroom use.
Literacy Support
Books Available Through VAST Mediagraphies (see Literacy Links)
It’s Science! Plants and Flowers by Sally Hewitt
From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons
The Reason for a Flower by Ruth Heller
A Fruit Is a Suitcase for Seeds
Scientific Vocabulary
The following words are key vocabulary words that will be introduced in this lesson and reinforced throughout the unit:
anther
nectar
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ovule
petal
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pistil
stigma
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