The Flower Hunter

The Flower Hunter

William Bartram, America's First Naturalist

BY DEBORAH KOGAN-RAY

Brief Description:
Of John Bartram's nine children, it is William who best loves nature and wants to follow in his father's footsteps. William dreams of accompanying his father as he explores the wilderness of colonial America as botanist to the King of England in search of plant specimens. Using journals, maps, and her own vibrant paintings, Deborah Kogan Ray tells the captivating story of Billy's first trip to the Catskill Mountains and his further adventures as an adult, including a long, perilous journey into the remote wilderness. A bibliography, biographical notes, and list of plant discoveries complete this remarkable book about America's first naturalist.

Farrar, Straus, Giroux 2004 32 PP. Cloth

$17.00 (low stock)

LESSON IN A BOOK: The Flower Hunter

BIBLICAL REFERENCE (if applicable):

AGE LEVEL: Ages 7 - 10

FRIENDS TESTIMONIES:

Respect for earth’s beauty and nature.

VALUES AND CONCEPTS being developed by lesson.........

Being in harmony with nature and respecting it.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

(How to bring in testimonies and critical thinking skills)
If you had traveled with the Bartrams, what single plant/tree/animal would interest you the most? Why/

Where would you like to go on your trip?

ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS (several & not necessarily crafts):

For each activity please consider:

• Values and concepts developed by activity
• Age level for which activity is appropriate
• Skills developed
• Materials needed

Take a nature hike around the meeting house yard to find and name as many plants as you can. Use tree and plant identification books.

Try sketching your favorite plant/tree. Provide materials.

Share books of Bartram sketches.

Take a trip to the Bartram Gardens if you are near Philadelphia.

SERVICE PROJECT (if applicable):

Create a garden area at the meeting house or clean up and plant in an existing area.

Form completed by: Sally Farneth, Middletown, attending Pima MM.