Notes of Botany Studies to guide the adult
First Impressions
The first time the child would have had experience with the Botany curriculum would have been in the Casa programme. Early childhood classroom may have the wooden puzzle of a leaf and the corresponding labels as well as the botany cabinet which covers a multitude of leaf shapes and their names.
The Early Elementary Years
In the elementary classroom, these studies are more structured and detailed. Many manufacturers provide nomenclature card sets that cover all aspects of plant physiology and morphology. Some children are fascinated by the vocabulary and facts these materials provide. Others may choose a couple of topics and be done with it. The point is that the child can decide how deeply he needs to engage with this type of materials.
From an practical perspective, all nomenclature material provides and excellent foundation for the reading and writing programme. Children should not be expected to work through all the card sets in sequence, nor should they be expected to replicate the cards unless it is something that calls to them only for as long as they choose.
Botany is Branch of Science
The Botany Curriculum fall under the Biology branch of Science. Experts agree that the best approach to teaching science is through hands-on activities where children directly affect, observe and measure outcomes. There are only three requirements:
Vocabulary - precise terms that apply to the concept or area of study (this is where nomenclature cards can help)
Procedure - an outline of the steps involved in the experiment or activity and the importance of each step. (this can also act as parameters under which these experiments can happen safely and independently)
Adult preparation - making sure materials and equipment are in working condition, complete and topped up.
In conclusion, Botany in lower elementary is a hands-on curriculum that involves a lot ‘doing’ and ‘going’.
The Upper Elementary Years
By the time students reach upper elementary, they have gained a solid understanding of plants in general and their inner workings. Now, the focus is on the details but also on the discovering links in the great web of interconnectedness of all things.
Classification is major part of the work in Botany. In addition, uses of plants and plant through history help children understand the interconnectedness of all living things. A later addition to the Upper elementary curriculum is Ecology.
Nomenclature and Command Cards
This material is not to be used for memorization of definitions and terms; nor is it to become a "required" follow-up for every child.
Nomenclature booklets and cards cover all plant parts: The leaf, stem, roots, flower, fruit, seeds
The children may have been introduced to these in the Children's House, but now in the Elementary greater details and exploration will take place.
Material:
A container/box holding card and/or booklet sets with pictures, labels and definitions for each part or section. Here is a complete list of Botany Nomenclature.
Organization of the Material:
All of these are organized in such a way that, at the beginning of a section, the child is given the definition of the whole first, then the parts related to that whole.
The sets are labeled using a letter and number system. This is simply a guide to replace the packet in order. It in no way acts as a guideline for the sequence for working through the material.
Every set is not to be presented to every child.
Using the Nomenclature Material
Gather a small group of children.
Take a set and place pictures one at a time on the table saying the name aloud. The child may know this. Give a first period lesson and relate the function to the part or let the child give the function.
Note: Extend this to a second period lesson by having them go out to find, for example, a petiole.
Gather a group of children with varying reading abilities. Read a card out loud. Ask children to label and name. Work through the set. Use the control to check the work.
Alongside or following the above work, the children may make their own definition cards sets. Use this opportunity to teach children art techniques such as watercolour or crayon.