Name ___________________________________________________________________________________
BIOLOGY PLANT PROJECT
THIS IS A SUMMATIVE QUIZ GRADE!
Due: MONDAY, OCTOBER 17!
The Biology plant project is a collection of specific types of local plant specimens. The specimens required and their point values are listed
on the backside of this sheet. In addition to correct identification and labeling of specimens, your grade will be based on the neatness and
presentation of your project.
We will be collecting specimens during class throughout our plant unit. All of the specimens required can be found in the area around our
school or along local greenbelts. Every specimen must be different; for example, if a pine needle is used to represent a gymnosperm, it
cannot be used to represent a modified leaf. As we discuss the different groups of plants in class, we will go outside and collect
representative specimens for your project. It is very important that you begin mounting and labeling your specimens as soon as
possible! If you leave your specimens in a ziplock bag in your locker or backpack for very long, they will not be useable for the project.
Please note the due date listed above and the fact that this project grade is worth a summative quiz grade; in other words, half of a test
grade. There is a 20 point deduction per day if the project is turned in late. This project must be turned in on the due date if you are in
school any part of the school day, even if you miss Biology class! If you leave school early or arrive late, you must come by and drop
off your Plant Project.
Supplies:
1. Brad folder
2. White computer card stock – approximately 10 sheets. You can buy it by the package at WalMart, Target, office supply stores,
etc. or by the sheet at Kinko’s. I will also sell sheets of card stock in the classroom as long as supplies last - 10 sheets for 50
cents.
3. Clear mailing tape
Project Guidelines:
1. Your project must be bound in a brad folder.
2. A cover sheet is required with your name and the title of the project.
3. All specimens must be mounted on sturdy, white, unlined paper. Regular-grade computer paper, construction paper, and
colored paper (even beige!) are not acceptable. Computer card stock works very well.
4. Each plant specimen must be neatly pressed flat and covered completely with clear mailing tape. Use of scotch tape or
uncovered plant parts will result in a substantial point deduction! Sheet protectors may be used, but the specimen still must be
mounted and covered with mailing tape.
5. Your name must be hand-written in the upper right hand corner of every page of the project. Pages without a handwritten signature will receive no credit! The signature and specimen must be on the same piece of paper.
6. The first page must be a dichotomous key, hand-written on the white card stock, which keys out the major plant groups →
 Bryophytes
 Tracheophytes
 Pterophytes
 Gymnosperms
 Angiosperms
o Monocots
o Dicots
7. In addition to labeling the specimen according to the guidelines listed on the back side of the sheet, the date collected and
location found must be identified for each specimen.
8. The project must be put together in the order listed on the backside of this instruction sheet.
9. Each page of the project must be titled with the plant group it represents. All required labeling of plant specimens must be done
with a ruler to the right of the specimen. You may neatly print the information or use the computer.
10. The overall appearance and presentation of the project are worth 12 points.
PLANT PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
DICHOTOMOUS KEY …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..20 pts
 Bryophytes
 Tracheophytes
 Pterophytes
 Gymnosperms
 Angiosperms
o Monocots
o Dicots
BRYOPHYTE …………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………... 6 pts
 Moss plant with sporangium
 Label
 Sporangium
 Date, location collected
PTEROPHYTE …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6 pts
 Fern plant with sori
 Label
 Frond
 Sori
 Date, location collected
GYMNOSPERM ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8 pts
 Gymnosperm leaf
 One naked seed
 Label
 Leaf or needle
 Naked seed
 Date, location collected for each specimen
ANGIOSPERM ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..12 pts
 One monocot flower with attached leaf
 One dicot flower with attached leaf
 Label
 Monocot
 Dicot
 Type of venation in each leaf
 Date, location collected for each specimen
LEAVES ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..24 pts
 One simple leaf with parallel venation
 One simple leaf with pinnate venation
 One simple leaf that is pinnately lobed
 One simple leaf that is palmately lobed
 Label
 Type of leaf as listed above
 Petiole and blade on one leaf
 Date, location collected for each specimen
MODIFIED LEAVES ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12 pts
 Two leaves that are modified for different purposes and have not been used in the project already
 Label
 Modification and purpose
 Date, location collected for each specimen
OVERALL APPEARANCE ………………………………………………………………………………………………….…….12 pts
 Use of correct materials
 Titles
 Proper labeling technique
 Mounting technique
 Spelling
 Overall presentation
____________
100 pts