Plants should be dug from the ground using a garden trowel, and the soil gently dislodged from the roots so that the specimen is as complete as possible. One way to remove the soil is to swirl the root system gently in a pail of water. Students must make careful and detailed observations which can be compared with and validated by the observations of others. The use of plant identification keys requires logic and complete information. These procedures help the students to see themselves as independent learners.
Students can gather and identify the seed-containing structures of a variety of plants.
The diversity of the seed-containing structures can stimulate discussion. Similarities and differences should be noted. Have students grow several grains of wheat in a plastic cup filled with topsoil. Leave another unseeded cup filled with soil as a control. Once the plants are about 15 - 20  cm high, carefully peel away or remove the cups from the plants and from the control.