Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
In this lesson, students explore the prairie at the MSUM Regional Science Center to learn how plants survive. Students take a closer look at different plants and draw or write about what they notice. They compare plants, share their ideas, and learn how features like deep roots and narrow leaves can help plants survive. Students also discuss why prairie plants are important to animals and pollinators. At the end of the lesson, they use evidence from their observations to explain how a plant’s features help it survive. Learning outside gives students a chance to connect what they learn in science to plants growing in their own community.
Recommended Citation
Ganschow, Sydney, "Prairie Plant Detectives: Place-based Learning Plan for the MSUM Regional Science Center" (2026). OER Materials. 34.
https://red.mnstate.edu/oer-materials/34
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Elementary Education Commons, Elementary Education and Teaching Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons
Comments
I created this lesson for STL 474: Methods in Teaching Elementary Science and Environmental Education. The assignment was to plan a 5E inquiry lesson where students learn by place-based education. I chose prairie plants because students can see and study them outside at the Minnesota State Moorhead (MSUM) Regional Science Center.