Digital Daisy: An Inquiry-Based Approach to Investigating Floral Morphology and Dissection

• Published in: Science activities Vol. 43; no. 4; pp. 15 - 21
• Main Authors: McIntosh, Amy V., Richter, Stephen C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Heldref 01.01.2007; Heldref Publications; Taylor & Francis Inc
• Subjects: Anatomy; Biology; Botany; digital microscope; Dissection; floral dissection; floral function; Floriculture; Flowers; Flowers & plants; Individualized Instruction; Inquiry; Inquiry method; Laboratory Procedures; Microscopes; middle school biology; Middle schools; Science education; science inquiry; Science Instruction; Scientific Concepts; Secondary School Science; Students; Teaching Methods; Thinking Skills
• ISSN: 0036-8121; 1940-1302
• DOI: 10.3200/SATS.43.4.15-21

Many topics in the secondary science classroom can be difficult to introduce to students in a manner that fully engages them, especially when presented using traditional teaching methods. However, with a little innovation and an emphasis on inquiry, even dry subjects can be presented in an appealing way. The authors developed an inquiry-based exercise that teaches students about flower anatomy and dissection. During this exercise, students investigate the morphology of simple and composite flowers using digital microscopes. Dissection of a simple flower results in a count of floral parts that is used to construct a floral formula. Students use appearance of structures to suggest function of sepals, petals, anthers, pistils, and components. Investigation of composite and bilabiate flowers introduces concepts of inflorescence and symmetry and asymmetry. Following self-guided inquiry by the students, the teacher uses a digital microscope, computer, and LCD projector to lead discussion of what was observed and to help assimilate important concepts.