Seed Plants: Angiosperms

Concepts to Be Covered

• Angiosperms are vascular land plants whose seeds develop in fruits. Flowers are the reproductive structure in angiosperms.
• Angiosperms have three life patterns: annual, biennial, and perennial. Angiosperms are a source of oxygen, lumber, and food.

Goals for the Lesson

Students will be able to:

• describe the flowering plants.
• point out why angiosperms are the most successful plants.
• identify angiosperms and explain how they reproduce.
• describe the three life patterns of angiosperms.

Introduction

Bring in flowers or pictures of flowering plants. Point out the differences in flowers (color, size, shape, and odor). Sample different fruits, nuts and vegetables and discuss their tastes, textures, seeds, and so forth.

Procedure

1. Review the term "angiosperm." Stress that all angiosperms produce seeds that are enclosed in a protective covering. Discuss the advantage of producing seeds in a covering. Emphasize the protection this covering offers.
2. Show students pictures of a variety of angiosperms. Stress that this variety enables the angiosperms to live in many different environments (in deserts, on the Arctic tundra, on mountain slopes, in cracks on the sidewalk, and in water).
3. Compare the life cycle of the angiosperm with that of the gymnosperm. Define annuals, biennials, and perennials and give examples of each that can be found in our area.
4. Discuss the ways that flowering plants are pollinated (water, wind, insects, and animals). Ask the students why angiosperms have a better means of pollination than gymnosperms.
5. To stress the importance of the flowering plants, have the students discuss different ways in which people rely on plants. Besides their direct uses (food, oxygen, lumber, and so on), ask the students to brainstorm some indirect uses of plants, (for example, animals that we depend on for food and clothing also feed on plants).

Evaluation

Ask the following questions and discuss:

1. What are angiosperms?
2. Why are angiosperms the most successful plants?
3. What are the three life patterns of angiosperms?
4. Why are angiosperms important?

Enrichment

The fruits of some angiosperms are actively involved in seed dispersal. Have the students research witch hazel, touch-me-not, and impatiens to find out exactly how their seeds are released.

Reference

Bierer, Loretta (1984 ). Heath Life Science. Lexington, Mass.: D.C. Heath and Co.

Author

Rosemary Grove, Cathedral Center