ARTS & CRAFTS RESOURCES Printable Coloring Pages Printable Word Search Puzzles FREE Clip Art		Fabulous Flowers Katie ALFY, Inc. Lesson Objectives Students will conduct scientific inquiry in the field and in the classroom. They will express their ideas through original artwork, using a variety of media with appropriate skill. Subjects  Science Standards Grade Levels   1,  2,  3 Materials The book Counting Wildflowers by Bruce McMillan, One white carnation, a vase, 1/4 cup of water, red flood coloring, sponges cut in the shape of flowers, construction paper, black markers, different color paints, paint pads (Set out enough butter dishes for each color of paint. Put a folded paper towel in each dish. Pour the paint onto the towel to make a paint pad.) Lesson Steps 1) Read the book Counting Wildflowers. Discuss the colors of the flowers in the story and why people like flowers (some people like to give flowers, others like to receive them, grow them, paint them, etc.) 2) Show the class the white carnation. Have them make observations about it. 3) Explain that you wanted a pink carnation but the flowe shop didn't have any more. 4) Ask your students to brainstorm ways to make the flower pink. 5) Pull out the vase, 1/4 cup of water, and the red food coloring. Explain that you are going to use these things to make the flower pink. 5) Have one child put the carnation in the vase. Have another child add the water. A different student should then squeeze 8-10 drops of red coloring into the water. 6) Leave the carnation in a safe place to dry. Over the next 2-5 days, have your class check on the flower and record their obervations. 7) Ask your students to name and describe their favorite flowers. 8) Tell them that they will be creating flower gardens today. 9) Take out the construction paper, flower sponges, black markers and paint pads. 10) Demonstrate how to make a flower. Press down one of the flower- shaped sponge into a paint pad. Then press the sponge down onto a sheet of construction paper. Use a black marker to draw in the stem. 11) Distribute the materials to your students. Ask them to make several flowers for their gardens. 12) Review your discussion on flowers. Assessment Observe how students answer questions about Counting Wildflowers. Assess their observations of the white carnation turning pink and their ability to follow directions on the garden project. Extension Activities Relevant Internet Sites Things to do with flowers http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Acres/8911/flow.html Additonal Comments