5 Tips for Studying the Lower Plants in Waldorf Fifth Grade Botany
Why begin with the “lower plants” in Waldorf Botany curriculum? In fifth grade Botany, we often begin with a full block that explores the “lower plants” or “simple plants”- algae, fungi, lichen, moss, and ferns.
Curious to learn more about why botany is usually split into two blocks? Click here!
Hands-on experience is the best way to connect with the lower plant world!
While we know that some of these lower plants are not all truly plants, each of these organisms have a magical, mystical sense to them in their structures, purpose, and appearance. Exploring them opens up the world of botany for the student in a gentle way; perfect for the young fifth grader who is just beginning their developmental journey towards puberty and middle school.
How can you bring hands-on experiences of the lower plants into your botany curriculum?
We’ve got five ideas to get you started!
Algae
Plan a time to be out in nature, and see if you kind find algae in a nearby river, lake, or beach. Note its color, movement, texture, and location. Not near a body of water? Head to your local library and ask for books and resources on algae, preferably one with all kinds of images!
Lichen
Head outside and try to find lichen. Look around on surfaces: fence posts, rocks, concrete, stepping stones, etc. This is a great activity even for those who live in urban areas- you’ll be surprised where lichen grows!
Fungi
Create your own sourdough starter (a yeast fungi!) and learn how to tend to it to make it active for baking. Make bread, pancakes, bagels- the sourdough possibilities are endless!
Moss
Build a terrarium using moss, plants, and other elements. This can be used as an ongoing project throughout your study of Botany, as you can continuously add to your terrarium, and watch it thrive!
Ferns
Bring ferns into the kitchen! Head to your local market and purchase some fiddleheads for a taste test. After observing them closely, find a yummy recipe and cook them up together.
Enjoy the outdoors, and see what you discover!
When it doubt- Go outside! You’ll be amazed at how the lower plants thrive in even the most unexpected places. Explore and connect with nature- it’s always worth it!
Looking for more support for the fifth grade Botany curriculum? Our course offers a full year’s worth of material, main lesson book page tutorials, art lessons, instructor support, and so much more!
About the Authors
Robyn Beaufoy is Waldorfish’s CEO, and also a course instructor for Simple Season (coming soon!), Waldorf Art for Beginners, and Weekly Art Foundations. You’ll find her intuitive touches and influences throughout everything Waldorfish offers. Robyn has been in the world of education for over 25 years, with an MA in Education and a certification in Waldorf teaching - she also homeschooled both of her children for some of that time. In 2012 Robyn co-founded Waldorfish.com, creating it with the vision of making Waldorf inspired-art and pedagogy more accessible, joyful, and doable for homeschoolers all over the world.
Caitlin Amajor is Waldorfish’s course instructor for Geometry grades 5 & 6, and Botany, as well as our Administrative Assistant. From a young age, Caitlin has been immersed in Waldorf education, attending a Waldorf school from K-8. After receiving a BA in History, Caitlin gained her certification in Waldorf teaching, and spent seven years as a Waldorf class teacher in the upper grades. With a special fondness for watercolor painting and geometry, Caitlin loves bringing Waldorf education to her students all over the world, and seeing their own individuality and style bloom from the curriculum!