...you can also tag @biobus from your social media accounts to show us your challenge activities and get a BioBus Shout-Out!
Flower Anatomy and Plant Reproduction
Plants use flowers to reproduce and spread around their environment. Their colors help attract pollinators and their structure ensures that if a pollinator lands, it will leave carrying some pollen. After a flower has been pollinated, it loses its leaves. Fruit (which contain the plant's seeds) will grow in its place. Check out this animated video about reproduction in flowering plants.
Check out this Bloom Guide for common flowers you might find in Parks (especially Central Park).
Flower Identification: Use this online resource to figure out what kind of flowers you have in or around your home (especially in New England).
Nicholas, 7, from Manhattan, sent awesome observation sheets! “My flower doesn't look like any other flower I've seen before!”
Nicholas sent in a great question and was wondering “Why do bees like nectar so much?"
Esther, from Manhattan said, “I found a lot of cherry blossoms and another type of flower that was hard to identify!"
Esther says, "I would love to learn more about how they get their pinkish color!"
Jeremy, in 4th grade, submitted this data sheet and was wondering “How do flowers create pollen?”
Nicholas, 8, from Manhattan, looked at his plant at the window sill. He reports: “My plant is a succulent and it has 17 leafs!” Great observation!
Shayne & Logan, ages 9 and 11, from Brooklyn, sent in another detailed observation sheet! Great job!!! “My flowers were white and yellow they both grew in the ground and had very little pollen on them. They only grow in the Spring and summer because they like sunny and warm weather."
Make your own Plant Pressing Cheat Sheet, take pictures of your process and send in to BioBus!
Print or make your own data sheet to help you record the flowers you observed and use a Q-tip to take a closer look at their pollen!
