Plant Pathology Activity
By: Connie Wood
Spring 98
Summary:
The purpose of this lesson is to introduce the concept of
symbiosis as it applies to lichens.
Connections to the Curriculum:
The curriculum connection to eighth grade science is
referenced to the TEKS 112.24. Science, Grade 8, Introduction 5.
Science is a way of learning about the natural world. Students
should know how science has built on a vas body of changing and
increasing knowledge described by physical, mathematical, and
conceptual models, and also should know that science may not have
all the answers.
Time:
This activity should take approximately five hours of
instructions and activity. The extension activities should add
approximately ten more hours to total a three week unit.
Season:
This lesson can be done during any time of the year.
Materials:
- Paper
- Pen or pencil
- Lichen worksheet
- Computer
- Spreadsheet software
- Internet access
- Lichen samples
Objectives:
- Students will learn the characteristics of fungi and
algae.
- Students will compare fungi and algae organisms.
- Students will learn the components and properties of
lichens.
- Students will learn the contributions of fungi and algae
in the lichen symbiotic relationship.
- Students will develop an hypothesis on bioindicator uses
of lichens from a survey.
Procedures:
- Students will study the characteristics, functions and
parts of fungi and algae.
- Students will contrast the characteristics of fungi and
algae.
- Students will use internet sources to study pictures of
different kinds of lichen.
- Students will discover the appearance and characteristics
of the each kind of lichen.
- Students will know the difference between the functions
of algae and fungi in lichens.
- Students will develop a survey to determine the number of
each type of lichen in a given area.
- Students will compile their data and develop a
spreadsheet with graph.
- Students will determine if different types of lichens
have preferences to specific environments. ( to include
surfaces and air quality )
Questions:
- What are fungi?
- What are algae?
- What is symbiosis?
- How do fungi and algae contribute to symbiosis in
lichens?
- What are the three main type of lichens?
- Where is each type of lichen most likely to be found?
- What is a bioindicator?
- What is the function in nature of fungi?
- Are the fungi found in lichens typical of most fungi?
Why?
Evaluation:
Students will complete questions and checklist on their
activities. They will give journal report on internet sites that
they have visited. Students will produce a survey form and
collect data. Students will develop an hypothesis as to where
each type of lichen is most commonly found and why.
Expanding the lesson:
Match student surveys with aerial photos or other indicators
of air quality.
Observe lichen tissue under a microscope.
Perform an extended survey over the internet with other
selected schools.
Resources:
- Internet search
- Young, Paul. The Botany Coloring Book.New Yok:
HarperPerrineal, 1982.ISBN: 0-06-460302-4
- Biology Textbook
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Intermediate
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Revised: December 22, 1999