Download African Savannah Plants

Topic: Life Science
Software: Studio
African Savannah Plants
Overview
The African savannah is an arid place with little rain. Students will explore
various African savannah plants, and they will identify the reasons for their
similar structures.
Objectives
Lesson Time: 20 Minutes
Key Terms:
Adaptation
Savannah
Photosynthesis
○○ Identify plants that grow indigenously in the African savannah
○○ Investigate the reasons for the similarities in the structures of the plants
Differentiation (Δ)
○○ Group students heterogeneously to allow students with a strong command of
the English language to assist in reading or interpreting questions
○○ Provide paper copies of diagrams to students to use as a reference
○○ Provide a handout with a list of vocabulary terms and definitions that will
appear in the activity
○○ Allow students to provide answers that are handwritten, typed, or verbal
○○ Work as partners or in small groups (younger children could partner with older buddies)
○○ Enrichment: Students could work on the discussion questions and lead the class discussion
○○ Enrichment: Students could research similar topics and create presentations
Questions for Discussion
1. How are these savannah plants similar to others? How are they different?
Answers will vary. Sample Answer: A baobab tree grows really tall and will store water in its trunk. The
acacia tree has a deep root system that allows it to find water. The acacia tree also has thorns that
protect it from predators.
2. Plants need water in order to survive. What adaptations do you see in each of these plants that can
help them survive with little water?
Answers will vary. Sample Answer: I noticed that all of the plants have small leaves that seem sparsely
grouped. These small leaves might allow the plants to conserve water.
African Savannah Plants
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Topic: Life Science
Software: Studio
Related Activities
Jungle Plants - Studio
Ideas for Extension
○○ Students could research the African savannah and its conditions. They can infer the purposes for each
plant’s adaptation.
○○ Students can research the animals that live in the African savannah. They can then determine how
these savannah plants might help those animals survive.
○○ Students can research jungle plants and compare them and their environments to the African savannah
plants.
African Savannah Plants
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