Reproduction in plants
Plant reproduction is new to the curriculum from 2014, though old hands will have taught it in previous versions of the curriculum. Students should learn about:
• reproduction in plants, including flower structure, wind and insect pollination, fertilisation, seed and fruit formation and dispersal, including quantitative investigation of some dispersal mechanisms
• the importance of plant reproduction through insect pollination in human food security
The resources in the list are intended to supplement lessons on the structure of flowers, pollination and seed dispersal, extending the learning to provide context and intersting project ideas.
Visit the secondary science webpage to access all lists: https://www.stem.org.uk/secondary-science
Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to Health and Safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
Case Study: Horticulture *suitable for home teaching*
These resources include a video and a classroom activity. In the video, two Horticulture students show how they repot plants. The classroom activity encourages students to clone a plant by taking cuttings. A close look at the cuttings a few weeks later can be used to reveal which characteristics of each cutting depend on the genetic makeup of the plant and which are strongly affected by environmental conditions.
Orchids
This film has to represent one of the most impressive whole school projects we've come across!
It takes investigating plant reproduction to a whole new level - Students from Year Seven to Thirteen are involved in the project and many are given their own roles and responsibilities, from growing to pollinating orchids.
The students have also made contacts with established professionals whom they would not normally meet, making the project very empowering. Some older students are carrying out the kind of research usually carried out at PhD level.
Through the project, the school has established working relationships with professionals in Kew, The Eden Project, Brazil, Costa Rica and India.
Growing Pollen Tubes
This resource describes how the growth of pollen tubes can be demonstrated under a microscope, using a mineral salt and sugar solution to mimic the surface of a stigma on a flower.
It can be carried out as a demonstration using a webcam to diplay the image on the whiteboard.
There is a very handy table showing which plants to choose, depending on the month, for the best results.
