Pre-Visit Discussion and Activities:
Parts of A Flower
Etiquette in the Out-of-Doors

Student Reports
Etiquette Booklet (optional)
Teacher/Parent chaperone pre-visit to Black Hawk State Historic Site

Materials:
Crayons, colored pencils, and markers
Plant Doctor Web Site
Art paper
Yarn, paper punch, and scissors, (optional), to bind the booklet of good etiquette

Parts of a Flower:
Before a visit to Black Hawk State Historic Site, students should have a general idea of plant structure and the parts of a flower. To introduce the students to the basic parts of a flower, students should visit the Plant Doctor web site.

(Another good site is at CNPS's page, "Why Do Plants Have Flowers?" )

Etiquette in the Out-of-doors:
Students should understand the importance of some basic rules of outdoor etiquette. Take time to discuss appropriate behavior one should display in the out-of-doors and, more specifically, on nature trails and in forests and fields. Include behavior concerning animal and plant welfare and preserving the environment. Remember, on your hike, "Take only pictures, leave only footprints."

Through class or small group discussion, students list at least five positive behaviors they should display in the out-of-doors. They tell how these actions will have a positive effect on the plants and animals. Examples of good outdoor etiquette should include:
1. No littering
2. Stay on trails
3. No running
4. No loud noises
5. Leaves of three, let it be
6. Do not pick the plants or flowers
7. Do not disturb the animals or their homes

Optional Activity:

Students create their own booklet showing good outdoor etiquette and its positive impact on the environment. These booklets could be shared with other classrooms.

Teacher/Parent Chaperone Pre-Visit to Black Hawk State Historic Site:

Although it is not necessary, it is highly recommended that the teacher and, if possible, the parent chaperones visit Black Hawk State Historic Site a few days prior to the actual field trip. Since not all wildflowers are in bloom at the same time, such a pre-visit will help the teacher and parents to know what flowers will be in bloom on the day of the student visit and will aid the leaders in the knowledge of where particular wildflowers are most apt to be seen.