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.
Critical Thinking Questions
Cattleya hybrid
Structure Guide
Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection
Structure and Function Key Terms
Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection
Orchid Flower Activity
Cattleya Martha Stewart ‘Waldor’ Courtesy Arthur Chadwick
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: