Activity

Plant bud hunt

Summary
In the cold months, go outside and find buds - flower, leaf or shoot buds. Notice their arrangement - opposite or alternate.
Science content
Biology: Features, Adaptations of Living Things (K, 1, 3, 7)
Biology: Classification of Living Things, Biodiversity (1, 3)
Biology: Evolution, Natural Selection (7)
Buds (alternate arrangement)
Buds (opposite arrangement)
Magnolia bud (alternate arrangement)
Magnolia bud
Lessons activity is in
Winter preparations by plants and animals
Materials
  • Outside area with bushes or trees
  • Optional: magnifiers
  • Optional: drawing materials
Procedure

Go outside in the winter months, and look for buds on plants.
Buds are a protected flower, leaf or shoot, formed in the Fall. They protect delicate plant parts over the winter, and will open up in the Spring when it is warmer and sunnier.

Grades taught
Gr K
Gr 1
Gr 2
Gr 3