Visual plant anatomy: From science to education and vice versa

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Botany
• Science Education

Background:

• Plant anatomy is an under-researched and often unattractive subject for students.
• Traditional teaching methods may not effectively engage high school and university students in plant anatomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of hands-on microscopic slide preparation and histochemical staining in teaching plant anatomy.
• To enhance student comprehension of root, stem, and leaf anatomy, including vascular and mechanical tissues.

Main Methods:

• Students prepared native microscopic slides of plant tissues.
• Histochemical reactions were employed using phloroglucinol and 'Duha green' dye to visualize xylem and phloem.
• A control and experimental class design was used to assess knowledge improvement.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in student knowledge was observed across root (+70%), stem (+70%), and leaf anatomy (+130%).
• Understanding of vascular and mechanical tissues improved by +170%, with an overall knowledge gain of approximately 100%.
• Students demonstrated improved ability to identify tissues and understand their functions after the practical exercises.

Conclusions:

• The integration of self-prepared microscopic slides and histochemical staining is an effective pedagogical tool for plant anatomy education.
• While overall knowledge improved, specific areas like secondary growth and tissue functions require further pedagogical attention.
• The study provides practical resources to encourage wider adoption of these improved teaching methods.