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Plants for Food
When we think about plants that are used for food, we have to consider MORE than just what we eat! Many plants are used in the production AND packaging of food!
Do YOU think we humans are managing plant life effectively, considering our need to consume plant life? |
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Plants for Fibre
Fibre is the tissue of plants from the stem, leaves, seeds or roots.
Fibre can also be obtained indirectly. This means that something relies on a plant and can ultimately create a fibre as a result. An example of indirect fibre production is silk. Common plants used for fibre include cotton, hemp and flax. Check out pages 94 & 95 from your text for more information and ADD NOTES |
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Critical Challenge
Plants are involved in the production of many different products. Choose a product and describe the role of a plant in that product from seed to store. There will be a dropbox should you decide to create a digital project outside of Drive.
Plants are involved in the production of many different products. Choose a product and describe the role of a plant in that product from seed to store. There will be a dropbox should you decide to create a digital project outside of Drive.
Plants for Medicine
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Plants have been used as medicine for many centuries. Not only do we have a variety of herbal remedies, but many chemical pharmaceuticals have been created with plants at their base, or to replicate the properties of plants.
Our indigenous ancestors discovered a painkiller that was derived from scraping the bark of certain trees. While "Aspirin" dates back to ancient Sumeria, even the indigenous people of North America discovered the healing properties of Willow bark right in our own back yard. |
Plants for Transportation and Construction
Construction
Plants are used in almost all construction projects. In fact, 90% of ALL house construction uses wood from certain type of tree.
Plants are used in almost all construction projects. In fact, 90% of ALL house construction uses wood from certain type of tree.
- Research the kinds of trees that are used in house construction. Keep in mind, the materials used for the frame of the house will be different that the materials used INSIDE the house as design elements.
Plants for Fuel
Plants have been used through history to heat homes and provide fuel for vehicles (trains and early cars). Burning wood is one way we use plants for fuel; however, there are other ways to use plants as fuel as well.
Coal Production
Ethanol Production
Ethanol is produced from the sugar in certain plants. It is converted to liquid fuel. |
Methanol Production Methanol is liquid fuel produced from wood. It is called wood alcohol.
Producing fuel from plants is ECONOMICAL but not very EFFICIENT.