I picked up a cacti colouring book for 50 cents from a bric-a-brac stall, which I used to create an invitation with scented playdough and loose parts. I'm in denial that my boys are really too old for playdough now!
All you need is some green playdough, pictures of cacti (and some real cacti would be great, if you have them), toothpicks, and colourful items like pompoms or pipe cleaners. One thing I didn't include, but wish I had, is a picture or diagram of a cactus WITH its roots.
We asked, Why do many cacti have spikes? What are the adaptations of cacti that allow them to survive in their environment? How long can they store water, and how do they do it?
Then we watched this video to answer our questions.
Annie The Destroyer (our dog) had a very sore mouth for a few days after eating most of my sons' prized cacti collection. With some birthday money we bought some more and repotted those that survived to create this little succulent garden (out of doggie reach!).
When we were in Singapore we managed a quick trip to the magnificent succulent garden. The Royal Botanical Gardens in Tasmania also has a great selection for a field trip closer to home.
This activity gave us a greater appreciation for the beautiful diversity of plants in the world (just like the wonderful diversity of humans!).
As the Italians say, il mondo è bello perché varia - the world is beautiful because it varies!
Do you have a favourite unusual plant? Please share in the comments, we love making new botanical discoveries!
Thanks for visiting. If you like this invitation to play, check out my Harry Potter Chemistry invitation!
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