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This resource is a hands-on lesson discussing New Jersey native plants, including growing plants in the classroom. It enhances knowledge on the importance of New Jersey native plants, introduces students to the needs of plants, and introduces students to ecosystem connections regarding plants.

This learning activity takes 5 hours.

Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»


Grade Level

Regional Focus

Topics

Energy Literacy

This Activity builds on the following concepts of Energy Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

  • Consider providing a list of web sites for students to use for independent research. In this activity, students could also graph water, height, collect data, compare different types of native seeds, and compare water needs of native vs nonnative plants.
  • This lesson could tie into concepts like soil erosion and invasive species as well.

About the Content

  • This lesson teaches students about the importance of native plants (attracting native birds and insects) and the impacts non-native plants have on the environment (requiring more water, different types of soil, fertilizer, etc.).
  • The lesson involves a science experiment where students grow native plants from seeds (indoors) and eventually plant them outdoors.
  • Educators may wish to investigate with students whether all non-native plants adapt poorly to new places. Many so-called "invasive species" are very adaptable and thrive in new locations. This could also bring in conversations about climate change because changing climates tend to help invasive species spread.
  • Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

  • This resource includes multi-modal activities including whole group discussion, journaling, identifying plants with an app, growing plants, watching a video, student led research, and making observations.
  • Suggested journal prompts are included.
  • New Jersey-specific sources for native plants are listed.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • This lesson will need to be adapted if taught in other regions outside of New Jersey, and/or could require background research into native plants of your specific area.
  • Access to native plants or seeds is necessary to complete the lesson.
Entered the Collection: August 2025 | Last Reviewed: May 2025

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