NAME OF LESSON PLAN: University of California Botanical Garden Field Trip
CONDITIONS: Students must have a permission slip to go on this field trip
Paper to record answers
Pen
Computer with Internet access
Printer
MODIFICATIONS: Students will answer some of the questions after they return to school when they are able to use a computer.
(Enter and go to the right of the greenhouse where you will see the sign)
The University Botanical Garden was established in _1_ and was located near the present Moffit Undergraduate Library and Havlland Hariland Hall on campus. In 1812, it was reported the Botanical Gardens had planted 600 kinds of California native trees and shrubs. Why were these particular plants chosen? _2_ The garden was relocated in 1920 to _3_. The most distinctive feature of the old garden was a _4_ constructed in 1894-1895. Why was it dismantled but not relocated to the new gardens? _5_ List three different purposes of the garden_6_.
(Now move to the garden bed on the right, go to the road around the tip and take a left. READ THE WARNING SIGNS ABOUT MOUNTAIN LIONS AND RATTLESNAKES. Although these are rarely seen here, there is a chance you could encounter them and if you choose to proceed, it is at your own risk.
The plants are all labeled with a rectangular plaque. On the upper left hand side is the family name; on the upper right hand side is the date when this garden obtained the plant; in the middle is the scientific name; on the bottom is where the plant was obtained from; a red dot marks rare or endangered species. Now you are in the MEXICAN/CENTRAL AMERICAN SECTION. Go to the right of the sign, around this section in a circular fashion)
Name one plant you found attractive. Explain._7_ At another time, look up on the computer and find a map which shows the origin place of the plant you chose. Paste it on the answer key._8_
(From the main road, on the opposite side of the Mexican/Central American area is the CALIFORNIA SECTION. Stroll through this area, to the right and in a downward fashion).
List all the plants that you recognize from living in California._9_ For three of them, draw a sketch of what the plant looks like._10_
(YOU WILL BE ANSWERING OTHER QUESTIONS AS YOU CONTINUE YOUR LIST, REVIEW ALL THE MATERIAL FOR THE CALIFORNIA SECTION AT THIS TIME). Read about the Pacific Yew and list three facts about this plant._11_
On the high ridges and peaks above the forested slopes of California mountains lies the Alpine Fell-Field. List four of the physical conditions (complete sentences)._12_ What does the word Fell mean in this context?_13_ List four of the strategies that are used to cope with the environment._14_ How do you survive all the daily challenges you are faced with in an urban environment?_15_ Ten percent of California’s species are endemic, meaning what?_16_
Explain about the soils in serpentine rock._17_
Few species can grow on them. Despite this, over 200 kinds of California plants, or ten percent of those found only in California grow on serpentine. How many plants are known to grow only in California?_18_ In the S.F. Bay Area, where is serpentine common?_19_ Serpentine occupies one percent of the land surface of the state. Have you been to any of these places that have this rock?_20_
(CONTINUE ALONG AND FIND THE CHAPARRAL SIGN)
CHAPARRAL SIGN
The word chaparral is derived from the Spanish word chaparro (scrub oak). However, in California, many shrubs other than oaks dominate this distinctive plant community. List some of these other shrubs_21_
Where chaparral occurs, summers are hot and dry and winters are mild and wet.
Why would a forest fire be productive for chaparrals?_22_
(CONTINUE ALONG AND FIND THE STRAWBERRY CREEK RESTORATION SIGN)
Some of the most delicate California native plants prefer moist habitats and have become relatively rare with increasing use of creeks for urban water use. When Native Americans lived here, most of Strawberry Canyon was filled with oak woodland. This consisted of perennial bunch grasses and wildflowers under scattered coast live oak trees, with many trees along the creek corridor. With the arrival of the Spanish in the 1770’s, cattle ranching displaced the Indians and European grasses replaced the native species. Extensive grazing on the hills increased what?_23_ To help restore this area, the once grass covered hillsides of Strawberry canyon were planted with Monterey Pines and other conifers in the 1930’s and 1940’s.
(FOLLOW THE PATH UP AND THEN LEFT, ALMOST BACK TO THE BEGINNING OF THE CALIFORNIA SECTION)
WHAT IS A VERNAL POOL SIGN
Vernal is referring to what season?_24_ These pools occupy depressions underlain by an impermeable layer of soil. They fill with water during the winter rainy season, which then slowly evaporates as the dry season progresses. Specifically adapted plant and animal species, many of which occur only in vernal pools, occupy these seasonal pools. Different plant species may be most abundant at different depths of the pool margins, leading to the development of what?_25_
Using the computer, produce a map of California and paste it on the answer key. Locate and label where vernal pools exist in California._26_ List why vernal pools are disappearing today._27_Ninety percent of the vernal pools in the Central Valley are gone. Does this statistic disturb you? Explain._28_
(WALK UP THE PATH TOWARDS THE ENTRANCE, UNTIL YOU ARE ON THE MAIN ROAD. TAKE YOUR FIRST RIGHT)
PYGMY FOREST SIGN
California is famous for its redwood forests, containing the tallest and most massive tree species on earth. Opposite of this, California has many dwarf species. It is known as a pygmy forest and it is found only in isolated patches along the Mendocino coast of Northern California. The extremely sterile and acidic soils beneath the pygmy forest are termed “pod soils.” Explain the conditions, which are responsible for stunting the growth of these species._29_
(WALK DOWN THE ROAD TO THE FIRST LITTLE PATH AND TAKE YOUR FIRST LEFT)
CALIFORNIA PLANT COMMUNITIES SIGN
Explain the concept of plant communities._30_ Dominant species are often the most abundant or conspicuous ones within a plant community. What plants are dominant in your neighborhood?_31_
Indicator species are plants that may be confined to a single community or to a single type of habitat, even though they may not be dominant.
(CONTINUE DOWN THE PATH, DOWN THE STEPS, AND TURN RIGHT. FOLLOW THIS PATH)
CHANNEL ISLANDS SIGN
Draw the coast of Southern California and the Channel Islands on the answer key._32_ Although the land area of these islands is collectively small, together they support over 750 plant species, or approximately what percentage of the total number of plant species that are native to California._33_
(GO TO THE LEFT AND THEN RIGHT, DOWN THE PATH. TAKE YOUR FIRST LEFT TO THE BRIDGE)
The bridge is surrounded by giant horsetail. Draw this_34_ The hollow stems were used as scrubbing utensils before modern inventions were available. Their abrasive nature is due to silica, tiny glass-like beads that are on the outer layer of the stem. Pick a small piece and try to do your dishes at home using it.
(GO UP THE PATH TOWARD THE BUILDING. TAKE A RIGHT)
TROPICAL HOUSE
List and draw three of the exotic, foreign, species you find spectacular.
(OUTSIDE OF THE TROPICAL HOUSE IS A BULLETIN BOARD)
PALMS
The palm family has how many different known species?_35_ These are one of the most important families of flowering plants. Several species are major sources of food, fiber, wax, canework, and building materials. Many palms have multiple trunks, while others lack trunks entirely. Some are tall vines with thin stems hundreds of feet long. The evergreen leaves of palms are of two forms: pinnate, with a central axis bearing leaflets along both sides which resembles a feather.
Draw this_36_ The other form, is palmate, with the leaflets attached at a single point looking similar to the ribs of a fan. Draw this._37_
(CONTINUE UP THE PATH THROUGH THE PALM TREES)
HERB GARDEN
Stroll around the herb garden. List three herbs and what each can be used for._38_ (DO NOT TRY ANY OF THESE. THEY CAN BE DEADLY OR CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS WITHOUT THE PROPER ADVICE OF HOW THEY ARE TO BE HANDLED) Take a picnic break on the lawn.
(CONTINUE UP, EAST, THE MAIN PATH UNTIL YOU SEE VARIOUS VEGETABLES BEING GROWN ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THIS PATH)
ORIGINS OF FOOD PLANTS
Read about the cuisines from around the world. Write about three things you learned._39_
(EXPLORE THE REST OF THE UNCHARTED GARDENS AND TAKE A FEW NOTES OR DRAW SKETCHES FROM WHAT YOU READ AND OBSERVED)
Did the botanical gardens inspire you in any way? Explain?_40_