Project Orchid

Gloved hand holding orchid roots.

Do you work with middle or high school students interested in a citizen science project? 

Project Orchid could be a great fit! This middle school and high school citizen science conservational outreach program places live seedlings of a native Minnesota orchid in classrooms across the state. Students care for the plants over time, collect observations, and contribute to real science. The program is a partnership between the Arboretum's Plant Conservation Program and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC).

Program Details

  • Project Orchid is aimed at middle schools and high schools all over the state interested in participating in conservation science and orchid research. Teachers enroll their class or after school clubs to participate in it. 
  • Teachers participating in the program are given a teacher stipend and all incurring costs are covered by the Plant Conservation Program. 
  • Development workshops for Project Orchid are offered in the fall, as well as other opportunities.
  • Project Orchid is independently funded. The program is fully self-funded through the LCCMR grant. 
Hands planting orchids in pots.

FAQs

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Why should classes/groups participate in the program and what are the benefits?

  • Students are hands-on participants in research, not just readers about it.
  • Long-term engagement - A living plant in the room makes for sustained, hands-on learning over weeks and months. 
  • Direct learning from professionals - Through curated lesson curriculum created by the Plant Conservation team and direct online sessions with the team, students will learn directly from field and research professionals.
  • Native ecology conservation - Orchids offer a way into forest ecosystems, plant-fungus relationships and local biodiversity. 
  • More on the impacts of conservation education

What supplies are provided?

All materials needed for each classroom are given prior to the official start of the project in January. 

Including:

  • 32 Native Minnesota orchid seedlings
  • A portable greenhouse with LED lights and thermometer
  • Planting mixes
  • 32 pots
  • Greenhouse trays for pots + Plant saucer trays
  • 2 slip mats
  • 1 spray bottle
  • Black sharpies + Colored tape
  • Data worksheets with a Data sheet folder
  • Gloves
  • Inoculated cotton balls with fungi
  • Information packets, protocols and instructions
  • Online teacher resources; included curated curriculum material

What and how does the program meet science curriculum standards?

The 2019 Minnesota State Science Standards Alignment: 

  • Strand 1: Exploring phenomena or engineering problem
    • (5-8).1.1.1: Asking questions and defining problems
    • (5-8).1.2.1: Planning and carrying out investigations
  • Strand 2: Looking at data and empirical evidence to understand phenomena or solve problems
    • (5-8).2.1.1: Analyzing and interpreting data
  • Strand 3: Developing possible explanations of phenomena or designing solutions to engineering problems
  • (5-8).3.1.1: Developing and using models
  • (5-8).3.2.1: Constructing explanations and designing solutions
  • Strand 4: Communicating reasons, arguments and ideas to others
    • (5-8).4.1.1: Engaging in arguments from evidence
    • (5-8).4.2.2: Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information