Learners will recognize the structural characteristics of bulbs, corms and rhizomes. They will describe acts of philanthropy and analyze why people give to others of their time, talent and treasure. The learners will reinforce their knowledge about plant growth by planting and caring for bulbs. The resulting potted flower will be a gift that the learner will share. By identifying local service organizations, learners will increase their understanding of local service organizations and participate in the process of matching resources to community needs.

Learners will examine the local community and determine what service organizations would benefit from a gift of flowers. The learners will share what they have learned about forcing blooms with the recipients of their potted flower gifts.

• “Copy-and-Paste” Class/School Newsletter Information Insert:
  In the early spring when it seems that warm weather will never arrive, it is a pleasant surprise to see blooming plants. Learners will not only learn about plants that are grown from bulbs, corms and rhizomes, they will plant them for early forcing and present them to local nonprofits which would benefit from receiving them. In addition, learners will understand what constitutes the four sectors of the economy and what services they provide. They will look at philanthropy and determine what motivates people to give of their time, talent or treasure. Both the learners and some local nonprofits will benefit from this unit.

• Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
  In Lesson One: Structure and Function of Bulbs, Corms and Rhizomes, learners are asked to discuss with household members their remembrances of philanthropic acts. If the acts involve family members, they will inquire about how acts of kindness made the giver/receiver feel.