ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on how the study of plants in schools can and should be much more than growing cress and learning the reproductive cycle of a typical plant. It discusses the ways in which careful observation can be taught the use of both digital cameras and more traditional aids. The chapter also focuses on how the diversity of plants can provide a range of opportunities for the exploration and investigation of life processes with contexts that have proven motivating to children: food, gardening and art. Plants are a vital part of every ecosystem, providing the food energy that every other species depends upon. Gardening, visits to historic parks/botanic gardens, Mothers' Day, autumn walks – all these activities are very much part of the culture. Scientific enquiry may well emerge from an elicitation activity.
