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 Suitable
for Grades 3-8 (Simplify content if necessary)
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a PDF version of this Lesson Plan!
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Focus:
This project is
an interdisciplinary lesson combining the study of the parts of a
flower with three-dimensional design, using polymer clay. The lesson
can be modified to accommodate varioius grade levels, depending on
the amount of materials provided and the preparation required of the
students.
Background:
Botanists classify
flowers as highly specialized types of branches. Each part of the
flower is in fact a leaf, branching from the floral "branch" called
the receptacle.
- Flowers are
constructed in four (4) concentric rings.
- The sepals
(protective leaves) form the outermost ring.
- Next come
the petals, the brightly colored inner leaves of the flower.
- The two inner
rings form the reproductive system of the flower.
- Male structures
are called stamens, and consists of a filament (stalk) and anther.
The anther looks like pod on top of the filaments.
- Female structures,
called the carpels are located in the inner most ring. A group of
carpels clustered in the center of the ring is called the pistil.
- At the base
of the pistil lies an enlarged area called the ovary. A stalk-like
stigma (a style) rises from the center.
- Generally,
flowering plants have both stamens and pistils. However, some species
are known to have flowers withut both sets of reproductive structures.
Instructions:
SUPPLY LIST:
- Sculpey III
or Premo! Sculpey in the following colors: Green, gold, purple,
or blossom colors of choice
- Small pieces
of cardboard or index cards to work on
- Pencils
- Needle tool
- Paper
- Toaster Oven
- Oven Thermometer
to calibrate oven
- Timer
- Have students
do research on flowers and then make a drawing of the one they choose
to make in polymer clay.
- The drawing
should have petal, sepal, stamen with filament and anther, pistil
with stigma, style, and ovary.
- Each part
is then made out of clay starting with the petals as a background
for the internal parts. In essence, a cross-section is created.
- The sepal,
stamen and pistil parts are then made and added on top of the petals.
- The project
is then baked (while on the index card) in a calibrated oven (regular
or toaster) for 275 degrees for 30 minutes. (Since toaster ovens
frequently "spike" their temperatures, use 250 degrees and place
items away from the elements.)
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