A World of Plants: The Enid Haupt Conservatory

A walk through this wonderful Conservatory will take you into far away rain forests, deserts and mountain slopes. You will also visit plants that have resisted great evolutionary changes and see a peoples’ Healer’s House and Garden. When you enter the Conservancy, make sure you get the recorded tape to help guide you through it. (It’s free!) The answers to the following questions can be found as you make you way through this beautiful structure.

  1. What are cycads and why are they so successful?
  2. How long ago did plants evolve?
  3. When did the first flowering plant evolve?
  4. What is a lowland tropical rainforest? Name some plants that may be found here.
  5. What are epiphytes?  Why do they live on trees and not in the soil?
  6. Name some of the plants that are used for medicines. (ethnobotany)
  7. Describe the layers of the rainforest.
  8. Why are rainforests at risk?
  9. How do plants defend themselves from plant eating insects?
  10. What adaptations do water lilies have that enable them to live in the water?
  11. How does a tropical highland rainforest differ from a lowland rainforest?
  12. What kinds of plants are in the Ericaceae family?
  13. What is agriforestry?
  14. How can we use tropical rainforest land wisely?
  15. How do ferns reproduce?
  16. What adaptations do plants need to survive in the desert?
  17. How long does it take a saguaro cactus to bloom? To reach 40 feet?
  18. What are the spines on cacti?
  19. What are euporbias?  In what way(s) do they show convergent evolution with cacti?

Everett Children's Adventure Garden

Although this display is designed for younger students, you might enjoy participating in these activities. (I did!)  After viewing the outdoor exhibit and the indoor museum, select one of the following activities:

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What biological concepts involving plant metabolism and activities are demonstrated in this exhibit?  Be sure to refer to specific examples. (e.g. coevolution)

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Write a children's book, with illustrations, to explain several of these concepts.

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Using specific examples, evaluate the effectiveness of these displays.  You might include suggestions for improvement.

Temperate Deciduous Forest

The outdoor areas of the Garden are part of a temperate deciduous forest.  Describe the climax flora and indicate the activities (or lack of) that are occurring in the specific season you make your visit. Make specific references to your observations.

Note: This is an extra credit assignment.  The points you receive will be determined by the thoroughness and accuracy of your report.  Please enclose a receipt indicating the date of your visit.  Enjoy!  Hug a tree!

 

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This picture was taken in the children's garden. It looks like fun too!  Why not take your picture there?
                                                       
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