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Investigations with Venus Fly Traps

In this activity from Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS), students investigate what causes a Venus’ Fly Trap to shut. These experiments are related to a series of investigations that Darwin carried out as part of his work on evolution and adaptation and background information on this is provided. Students use a brush to touch the spines in the traps, blow on them or drop water on them to see what triggers the trap to close.

There is a full explanation of how the traps close in the teachers' notes, with sample data, suggested learning objectives and ideas for further investigations based on Darwin’s work.

Key curriculum areas include: adaptation, evolution, nutrients, habitats, plant responses, natural selection.

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