![Cymbidium orchid](https://gardens.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/what-is-an-orchid-2560x1095.jpg)
Structure And Function: What Makes an Orchid an Orchid
Learn how orchids have internal and external structures that help them survive, grow, and reproduce.
This activity meets several NSTA Life Science Standards for K-2 and 3-5 students. Students will use an orchid flower diagram, key terms, and a worksheet to answer four critical thinking questions. Students can explore Smithsonian Gardens’ digital exhibition Orchids: Hidden Stories of Ground Breaking Women and Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection to learn more about orchids.
Required Materials:
- Printed copies of the complete activity for each student
- Scissors
- Glue or glue sticks
- Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
- Pen or pencil
- Images of orchids or real orchids to study
Activity Goals:
- Students learn more about structure and function by creating a 3D paper model of an orchid.
After this activity, students should be able to recognize the distinct parts of an orchid flower and their corresponding purposes.
![Cattleya Love Knot, or a cattleya hybrid](https://gardens.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2014-0750A-FLO1-HL-thb-1024x682.jpg)
Critical Thinking Questions
Cattleya hybrid
![Orchid Greenhouse](https://gardens.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Orchid-Greenhouse-1-1024x682.jpg)
Structure Guide
Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection
![Orchid Greenhouse](https://gardens.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GH12-201105-HL11-1024x683.jpg)
Structure and Function Key Terms
Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection
![Cattleya Martha Stewart](https://gardens.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/MarthaStewartOrchid_Chadwicks-1024x804.jpg)
Orchid Flower Activity
Cattleya Martha Stewart ‘Waldor’ Courtesy Arthur Chadwick
![Orchids in the Orchids 2022 Exhibit](https://gardens.si.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Exhibit-220211-HL04-1024x683.jpg)
Critical Thinking Answer Guide
Orchids in the Orchids 2022 Exhibit
Further Learning:
- Decorate your own orchid flowers with free orchid coloring sheets here: https://gardens.si.edu/exhibitions/orchids-hidden-stories-of-groundbreaking-women/
Learn from Smithsonian Orchid Scientist, Melissa McCormick
Students can see an orchid bloom in 30 seconds, watch closely to see the difference between sepals and petals!
Watch a magical virtual tour of Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection: