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Plant Cousins

Activity

Comparing, Grouping, and Imagining Family Traits in Plants

Find two plants growing near each other that look different. How are they different? How are they the same? Imagine they are cousins, what traits might they share from a “plant ancestor”? Try grouping other plants by what they have in common: leaf shape, height, color, texture, or smell.

Science Seed

Plants belong to families just like animals do, and scientists group them based on traits they share. These traits, like leaf shape, flower structure, or how they grow, help botanists figure out how plants are related. For example, mint family plants often have square stems and small flowers with a scent. In Austin, you might find several members of the sunflower family (Asteraceae), which have flower heads made of many tiny flowers packed together. Grouping plants this way helps people understand ecosystems, grow food, and even use plants for medicine!

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Perez Elementary School

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Perez Elementary School is named in honor of Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez, who gave his life in service to his country. Perez is a supportive learning community with a focus on service. At Perez, we believe effort creates ability and all students will learn at high standards if they are given clear expectations, taught using best practices adapted to their unique needs and provided extra time and resources as needed. Perez students have numerous opportunities to serve their school, community and environment. They receive powerful instruction in the core curriculum areas, as well as in technology, art, music, physical education, and health.

This project was made possible by The Powell Foundation.