At the completion of this lesson, students will have a greater appreciation of the diversity of Plants in our world. Students will see the importance of plants in everyday life, their neccessity in our society and their beneficial by products, which we have come to depend upon. Students will research the uses of plants in everyday life, and will demonstrate this knowledge in the form of a web page. Students will also explain their choices within their web pages. The students will become familiar with Internet search engine functions, saving graphics, creating a web page complete with graphics, text and a "hot link" to their email address.This will all take place simulataneously with the student learning with regard to the plant kingdom and the importance of our preserving our plant resources.

Technology communication tools Routinely and efficiently use online information resources to meet needs for collaboration,research, publications, communications, and productivity. Select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making in content learning. Collaborate with peers, experts, and others to contribute to a content related knowledge base by using technology to compile, synthesize, produce, and disseminate information, models, and other creative works.

Standard 3: Uses information effectively and creatively, as described by the following indicators: 1.organizes information for practical application; 2.integrates new information into one's own knowledge; 3.applies information in critical thinking and problem solving; 4.produces and communication information and ideas in appropriate formats.

Students must grasp the concept of the importance of plants in our society. With the shrinking rainforest and urbanization of forested areas, plant life as we know it is on the decline. With the realization of just how many products used in our everyday lives, students can begin to see if only one aspect, the value of plants. Once this concept is internalized students can begin to take a more proactive approach towards plant conservation and protection.

The web project itself will serve as the method of assessment. When done correctly, the student will have shown their research ability, the demonstration of the technique of saving graphics, and the correct construction of a web page. Students will also show their understanding of the uses of plants, as demonstrated within their web pages. A simple rubric can be constructed to let students know exactly what is expected of them in this unit, and can be tailored to the desired end result by the teacher.

Component 1 - Research of plant uses *Students will compile a list of 10 uses of plants and their by-products in society by research using the internet and textbooks (if available and desired by instructor). This component will reinforce and hone student research skills utilizing both the computer and textbook platforms. This will be the students first exposure to the importance of plants in our world. Component 2 - Internet graphics search *Students will scour the internet in search of pictures (graphics) that represent the uses of plants that they have discovered in their prior research. This component will reinforce student familiarity with Internet searches as well as the "Save Image As..." feature. This will add to the students' computer skills. Students will also be exposed to copyright laws, as many images are copyrighted and/or protected and need to be cited as a work used within a project. Component 3 - Web Page Construction *Students will learn the basics of web page design while reinforcing the learning of the importance of plants. Students will also have the opportunity to explain from their point of view why plants should be conserved. This component will add to the students computer skills bank, adding web page construction to their repetoire. The web page will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the core learning.

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INFORMATION MANAGERS (3.1) Students locate, comprehend, interpret, evaluate, maintain, and apply information, concepts, and ideas found in literature, the arts, symbols, recordings, video and other graphic displays, and computer files in order to perform tasks and/or for enjoyment. COOPERATIVE WORKERS (3.8) Students work cooperatively to successfully complete a project or activity.

Flower Power! - Pt 2
Flower Power! - Pt 1