After Andrew
After Andrew
by Mrs. Blews's Class and Mrs. Olson's Classes
Overview
After visiting a replanting site for native plants after Hurricane Andrew, we are investigating the effect of exotic Australian Pine needles on the germination of native finger grass.
What We Thought We Knew
Students were taken on a field trip to Bill Baggs State Park to tour the replanting project and to hear about the invasion of the exotic Australian Pine trees, as well as other exotic plants.
Questions We Had
Why did the native plants disappear? If they are "natural" and suited to the area, why didn't they survive? What would happen to our seeds if the Australian Pines were around?
What We Found Out from Experts
Students talked with rangers, and participated in the planting of native plant seeds.
What We Found Out from Experimentation
We planted two identical containers with finger grass seed, covering one with a layer of Australian Pine needles. We watered equally, and observed the germination results.