Tips for your Grassland Plant Survey

Tips for collecting leaves

The survey calls for learners to pick one leaf of each plant growing in the quadrat, including grasses. They are then asked to lay these out on a piece of paper, count the number of different leaves, and take a picture if a device is available. If it's a windy day, then try either using tape to stick down the leaves or take the leaves back in the classroom and take the photo there. These leaves could then be used for other activities. 

Tips for identifying indicator species

The survey calls for your learners to look for nine different indicator species inside their quadrat. We've picked these indicators as they are plants learners are likely to encounter, and they indicate a range of different things. However, some of these indicators look like other plants.  

To help your learners distinguish between lookalikes and the indicator species:

• use the PowerPoint presentation provided before going outside
• remind learners to use the annotated plant images as a guide when completing the activity