Name: ______________________
Date: __________________
Teacher:
Plant Research Project
Plant Research Project
Introduction:
How diverse are the organisms in the plant kingdom? Amazingly, these
organisms have uniquely adapted for survival in many climatic regions, from the
tropical rain forests to the arid deserts. Today, plants are found in almost every
environment on earth – deserts, rivers, lakes and oceans, jungles, and even the
Polar Regions. Plants, like animals, cannot live and grow without food, water,
and minerals. They must also have some way of defending themselves from
danger. Unlike animals, however, plants cannot move around to find what they
need, nor can they run from danger. Instead plants have evolved and adapted to
their environment by growing unique structures or developing unusual means for
survival. Animals and humans rely on plants for their survival, mainly for the
oxygen produced by the plants, but also for the various foods produced and other
beneficial products (i.e. medicine, health and beauty aids, etc.)
Cactus
Venus Flytrap
Rafflesia
Banana Tree
Butterfly Orchid
Task:
You will be responsible for researching a specific plant species. Although some
of the research will be conducted in class, you will be required to continue
researching and working on this project at home. In the calendar below are
important checkpoints/deadlines, where your teacher can assess your progress.
Checkpoint Calendar: Important Dates
Monday
4/23
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
4/24
4/25
4/26
4/27
5/1
5/2
5/3
5/4
Research
Project
Assigned
4/30
Trip 1
Trip 2
(Presentation) (Presentation)
5/7
5/8
5/9
5/10
5/11
Plant
Brochure
Due
Please review the project, guidelines and due dates with a parent/guardian. Sign
below to acknowledge that you have read and understood the expectations.
I have reviewed the project with my parent/guardian and understand the
expectations and requirements.
Student _____________________________
Parent ______________________________
Some questions I have are…
The Project:
This project will require you to conduct research on your assigned plant. Most of
your research will be acquired on the Internet; however, you may find information
from other sources.
To demonstrate your understanding, you will be required to:

Create a well-researched brochure (template provided) of information
about your assigned plant species, containing several components.
1. The habitat and location for this plant species
2. An explanation and description of any significant adaptive traits that
help this organism survive in its habitat.
3. The structures and their functions, shown in an accurately labeled,
hand-drawn diagram.
4. Unique information about this plant species, highlighting what
makes this plant special.

Present information on your specific plant, to your peers, while visiting the
NY Botanical Gardens.
Grading:
The total project will be graded out of 50 points. The following breakdown will be
used:
Component
Points
Presentation
(at NY Botanical Gardens)
5 Points
Trip Sheet
(at NY Botanical Gardens)
5 Points
Brochure of
Research/Content
(See attached rubric)
40 Points
Due Date:
The first task is to discover the common name for your designated plant from
the given scientific name.
My Plant’s scientific name is: __________________________
My Plant’s common name is: __________________________
Research and Planning:
Habitat – In order to understand how a plant species has adapted over time, a
scientist must study its habitat.


Describe the climate and habitat that the plant species is found.
What regions of the world is your plant found? Be specific (i.e.
continent/country)
Description of Habitat/Climate
Regions of the World
Type of Biome (i.e. Desert)
Range of temperature
Precipitation (type/amount)
Unique weather patterns
Other
For the Brochure: A well written paragraph or paragraphs explaining the plant’s
habitat and climate, in detail. See template.
Adaptations for Survival – The environment plays major role in influencing how
a species adapts. Think about the plant’s habitat. How has it adapted to survive?

How has your plant species adapted and evolved for survival in its
environment? In other words, why can this plant survive where it lives?
Provide a minimum of two examples and be sure to explain how
these examples help aid the plant’s survival in its habitat.
Adaptation
Reason for Adaptation
(i.e. defense)
Explain why this adaptation is necessary
for survival the plant’s habitat?
For the Brochure: A well written paragraph or paragraphs explaining the plant’s
adaptations, in detail. Be sure to include the reason and benefit for survival. See
template.
Physical Structure/Diagram – Plants have many structures necessary to help
maintain homeostasis.
 Identify the key structures that make up the plant.
 Explain the function for each of these structures.
Structures to Identify (Your plant may not have all of these
structures):
Root
Leaves
Flower
Spores
Stem
Fruit
Seed
Structure
Function
For the Brochure: A hand drawn diagram of the researched plant species. Be
sure to label all key structures and include their functions. Label all adaptations,
too. See template.
Unique Characteristics – The most important process of a plant is to produce
oxygen for humans. However, humans also rely on plants for a variety of other
reasons.
 Research what makes this plant species special. For example, explore, in
detail, potential uses for the plant and its products. Below is a list of
possible uses for the plant species (please include at least one):
i. Edible uses
ii. Medicinal
iii. Building materials
iv. Crafts, dyes, paints, inks, paper
v. Clothing and Beauty Aids
vi. Shelter, household Items, cleaners, etc.
vii. Industrial (business) Uses
viii. Poisons/Chemical
ix. Historical Significance
x. Cultural or Religious significance
xi. Other

Include at least one additional fun fact about the plant species.
Potential Uses:
Fun Fact(s)
For the Brochure: A well written paragraph or paragraphs explaining how
humans have used or rely on the researched plant. See template.
Presentation:
The goal of this project is for you to become an expert on the habitat, unique
adaptations, physical structure and unique characteristics for the research plant
species. In the coming weeks, at the New York Botanical Garden, you will be
given the opportunity to locate and present “your” plant to other students within a
smaller learning group, in front of the actual specimen. This presentation should:


Be succinct, prepared and well-practiced, you will only have 2-4
minutes.
Include all information from the following research components:
habitat, adaptations for survival in this habitat, and any unique
characteristics.
5
Exemplary
4
Satisfactory
3
Support Needed
2
Unsatisfactory
1
Unprepared
Student is wellprepared and
presentation is
thorough, covering
all topics: habitat,
adaptations, and
unique features.
Student is
well-prepared.
Presentation
covers all of
the required
topics.
Student is
prepared.
Presentation is
incomplete,
only covering 2
of the required
topics.
Student is
poorly
prepared.
Presentation is
incomplete
and/or lacking
detail.
Student
presentation is
incomprehensib
le or student is
not prepared to
present their
research
information.