Teacher: Randy Hennen

Class: Applied Science

School: Grant Union High

Students in Randy Hennen’s Applied Science class recently completed a unit that centered on a NOVA program describing the discovery and interpretation of the earliest flowering plant fossil, Archeafructus.

This fossil was found in China and dates back to 124 million years ago when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. Flowering plants have since come to dominate the world’s plant life.

As part of this unit of study, students learned about reproduction in flowering plants, dissecting lilies donated by Joanie Bebb of John Day Floral. They identified flower parts and were able to describe the functions of those parts.

Students also paid a visit to the Rock Garden Nursery to learn about the characteristics and adaptations of modern day plants. Gail Klodzinski also spoke about how she developed an interest in horticulture and some of the skills and knowledge students would need to pursue a career in that field.

The culmination of the unit was a field trip to the John Day Fossil Beds, where Michelle Ordway educated students in regards to the history of our own regional fossil flora. It was the first trip to the Fossil Beds for many students in the class.

“I really enjoyed the field trip. I learned a lot about fossils that I didn’t know before. It was surprising how much we can learn about the past by looking at fossils,” said Taylor Temple.