Suitable for Grades 3-8 (Simplify content if necessary)

Focus:

This project is an interdisciplinary lesson combining the study of the parts of a flower with three-dimensional design, using polymer clay. The lesson can be modified to accommodate varioius grade levels, depending on the amount of materials provided and the preparation required of the students.

Background:

Botanists classify flowers as highly specialized types of branches. Each part of the flower is in fact a leaf, branching from the floral "branch" called the receptacle.

• Flowers are constructed in four (4) concentric rings.
• The sepals (protective leaves) form the outermost ring.
  
• Next come the petals, the brightly colored inner leaves of the flower.
        
• The two inner rings form the reproductive system of the flower.
• Male structures are called stamens, and consists of a filament (stalk) and anther. The anther looks like pod on top of the filaments.
      
• Female structures, called the carpels are located in the inner most ring. A group of carpels clustered in the center of the ring is called the pistil.
    
• At the base of the pistil lies an enlarged area called the ovary. A stalk-like stigma (a style) rises from the center.
• Generally, flowering plants have both stamens and pistils. However, some species are known to have flowers withut both sets of reproductive structures.

Instructions:

SUPPLY LIST:

• Sculpey III or Premo® polymer clay in the following colors: Green, gold, purple, or blossom colors of choice
• Small pieces of cardboard or index cards to work on
• Pencils
• Needle tool
• Paper
• Toaster Oven
• Oven Thermometer to calibrate oven
• Timer

1. Have students do research on flowers and then make a drawing of the one they choose to make in polymer clay.
2. The drawing should have petal, sepal, stamen with filament and anther, pistil with stigma, style, and ovary.
3. Each part is then made out of clay starting with the petals as a background for the internal parts. In essence, a cross-section is created.
4. The sepal, stamen and pistil parts are then made and added on top of the petals.
5. The project is then baked (while on the index card) in a calibrated oven (regular or toaster) for 275 degrees for 30 minutes. (Since toaster ovens frequently "spike" their temperatures, use 250 degrees and place items away from the elements.)