Families who live in the southwest may have an easier time implementing a unit study on cacti. Other families may want to buy cactus plants online or at their local nursery in order to get the most benefit from cactus science lessons. A family who plans to visit the Southwest can intensify the experience by learning more about the native plants.
Cactus Studies Introduction
Have children participate in the purchase of cacti as a way of introducing the lesson. A cactus catalog will display several varieties of cacti, each with unique characteristics and features that help it survive in extreme weather conditions. Begin the lesson with simple conversation, casually browsing through the catalog, or on websites that sell cactus plants. When questions come up such as how cacti survive, how long they can go without water, where in the world they live and how often they flower, head to the library or browse botanical websites for more information.
Materials for Cactus Lesson Plans
When purchasing cactus plants to study, consider the cholla jumping cactus, the hoodia cactus, aloe vera, or a colorful barrel cacti. Online cactus stores often have printable instructions for caring for cactus plants, plus information about their natural habitat.
In addition to cactus plants, consider using measured water receptacles, a scale for determining how much water the plant is retaining, a thermometer to measure the temperature of the room, books about cactus plants and even recipes for cactus foods. Prickly pear cactus leaves can be purchased at grocery stores that cater to a Hispanic community. Canned cactus products are also available in some areas. Aloe vera is from a cactus, as are hoodia supplements.
Cactus Activities for Kids
In addition to growing cactus plants, homeschool families can visit nurseries which grow and sell cactus plants. Contact a local gardening club to see if any local plant lovers have a collection of cacti that they'd be willing to share. Find a cactus garden in one's state and make a day trip of visiting, to learn from a passionate cactus gardener. The Professional Association for Cactus Development publishes a journal that may be of interest to older students. The Complete Book of Cacti & Succulents by Terry Hewitt,[DK books 1997] is filled with clear, colorful images as well as descriptions and characteristics of cactus plants and succulents.
Science Story Books With Cactus Plants
Brenda Z. Guiberson's Cactus Hotel [Henry Holt and Company, 1991] tells of a Saguaro cactus, and weaves a story of cooperation, sharing how the cactus houses and feeds many of the desert animals, throughout its life and even after its death.
Way out in the Desert, by T.J. Marsh [Northland Publishing 1991] tells of a wide variety of insects, birds, reptiles and other desert critters. Lively poetic prose and colorful illustrations encourage small children to mimic their sounds and actions, making it a great read-aloud book.
Finding More Cactus Study Guide Resources
Other cactus activities that can be used when making science lesson plans for homeschoolers are free printable worksheets, available from many online educational sites, as well as traveler's information designed to teach visitors to the Southwest about the cacti they may come across. Online photo sharing sites often have images that people have taken on vacation. Try finding images of a hoodia cactus, a jumping cholla cactus or an aloe vera plant. Find cactus recipes online and try them at home.
Whether part of an entire southwestern unit, or studied in the course of home décor, cactus plants can teach much more than science lessons. The cooperative nature of the desert ecosystem can lead to lessons on interdependence that transcend plant and animal life and help kids learn about conservation and the importance of efforts to minimize the impact of industry and technology upon wildlife.
Lisa Russell - Lisa Russell is a freelance writer and mom of six daughters. She blogs about their life at lisarussell.org
