DIY fern classification
In this activity, students use fern specimens or image cards to group species of ferns according to their physical structures (rhizomes, fronds and sporangia).
The purpose is to encourage students to look more closely at fern structures and to introduce them to methods of classification.
Fern adaptations
Adaptations give an organism an advantage when growing in a particular environment. Dr Patrick Brownsey from Te Papa talks about how the leather-leaf fern has adapted to growing in dry conditions.
Points of interest:
The silver fern koru is shown as an example of an adaptation. What do you think its adaptation is?
Who is regarded as the father of natural selection?
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
name and describe the structures of ferns
explain what general classification is and why it is important
experience devising and revising their own classification system
better understand why scientists do not always agree and why species may be reclassified as new information comes to light.
Parts of a fern
Dr Patrick Brownsey from Te Papa shows us the 3 major parts of a fern: the rhizome (the underground stem), the leafy frond and the sporangia (the reproductive structure).
Points of interest:
What are the 2 functions of a fern frond?
For more in-depth coverage of fern structure, visit the Fern structure and Underlay of a fern interactives.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
instructions on what you need and what to do
extension ideas
image cards.
