The purpose of this lesson is to teach students that plants provide people with food, clothing, shelter, and many other things that we use in our daily lives. Everything we eat and most of the things we use in our daily lives come directly or indirectly from plants. In addition to growing plants that we eat every day, farmers and ranchers grow plants that produce material we need, like fiber for clothing and wood for paper, pencils, and the homes we live in.
This lesson is from the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom and so there is mention of some United States history. The essence of the lesson is well suited for using in any location. This lesson is part of a series called, Edible Plant Parts. These lessons allow students and teachers to examine the six basic plant parts—roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds—in a unique way. Through hands-on activities, students will learn about the different plant parts, as well as how to include fruits and vegetables into their daily meals as part of a healthy diet. Students will also learn about agriculture and the people who produce our food.