One of the things we did at Ganado Elementary his week was study the different adaptations cacti have developed to survive harsh desert conditions. After observing and exploring some real cacti, the Jr. Scientists applied what they had learned to design and build their own “Super Cacti”. Utilizing various materials, such as sponges and straws, the Jr. Scientists created some impressive models of how cacti might gather and conserve water. Using pipettes and flashlights, the Jr. Scientists also tested their “Super Cacti” to see if they absorbed water and reflected light as well as a real cactus.
This post was written by the STEM Program at Arizona Science Center.