Little Botanist, Young Botanist, Master Botanist - in order to boast such a title, you need to take part in our educational program. Anyone can join and try their hand.
Educational program "M. Botanist"
Regulations
§ 1
The "M. Botanist" educational program is designed for children, adolescents and adults. Its goal is to develop an attitude of scientific understanding, a rational and caring approach to nature and related: respect for the work of researchers, respect for the work of those implementing the results or supporting the research process, the ability to cooperate and learn from each other, commitment to nature conservation through everyday behavior.
"M. Botanist" is respectively:
- Little Botanist - for children under 10 years old
- Young Botanist - for young people under 20 years of age
- Master Botanist - for adults
§ 2
- The status of "little botanist" is earned by a child who has earned the following proficiencies in any order and at any time before the age of 10:
- B - researcher: ability to independently observe and study natural phenomena
- O - gardener: ability to care for plants
- T - taxonomy: the ability to name the plants you know
- A - analyst: ability to interpret, infer and propose a simple mathematical description
- N - negotiator: understanding of resource rights, ability to negotiate access disputes
- I - illustrator: ability to create graphic documentation (photograph or figure)
- K - collector: the ability to design and collect a botanical collection.
- The status of "young botanist" is given to a person who is at least 10 years old and before the age of 20 has acquired the skills listed in item 1 to the extent indicated for this age group.
- The range of specific requirements for each proficiency in the relevant category is provided in Appendix 1 to the regulations.
- Receipt of the status of "small botanist" or "young botanist" is confirmed by the Director of the PAN Botanical Garden - Center for the Preservation of Botanical Diversity in Powsin by providing a named certificate, which may also be in the form of a diploma or certificate.
§ 3
- The status of "master botanist" is awarded to an adult who has earned the proficiencies listed in § 2 item 1 within the scope indicated for this age group, and has additionally demonstrated his proficiency in caring for nature or passing on his knowledge and skills to younger generations.
- The range of detailed requirements for each proficiency is attached as Appendix 2 to the regulations.
- Receipt of the status of "master botanist" is confirmed by the Director of the PAS Botanical Garden - Center for the Preservation of Botanical Diversity in Powsin by providing a named certificate, which may also be in the form of a diploma or certificate.
§ 4
- The attainment of individual proficiencies is confirmed by specialists from the PAS Botanical Garden during tests organized on the grounds of the Garden by the Education Department. Such tests may be held collectively or individually, during holiday classes, events organized on the grounds of the Garden or on other occasions. In exceptional cases, it is allowed to pass the proficiency on the basis of submitted documentation prepared by the participant, if his/her life or health situation prevents him/her from appearing in the Garden.
- The test involves verifying the program participant's skills demonstrated in the form of created documentation. It may include tasks to be performed on the spot, a list of questions for oral answers, a worksheet of tasks to be completed.
- Tests on a single proficiency can be taken more than once. Each test can then have a different form.
§ 5
- Children participating in the program in documenting the acquisition of skills in a given proficiency may use the assistance of adults. Parts of the work done by adults should then be properly described or labeled and are counted as part of the "negotiator" proficiency.
- In the case of joint participation in the program of an adult and a child, the adult's assistance to the child can show in the documentation to the status of "master botanist."
§ 6
Documentation for a given fitness may be:
- A collection of described photos, drawings, herbarium cards,
- observation notebook,
- artwork, poster, mock-up,
- multimedia presentation (as long as its subject matter is compatible with the participant's skills)
- completed worksheets of tasks proposed by the Botanical Garden's Education Department
and other forms feasible for the respective participant.
Documentation is evaluated only on its merits.
§ 7
Kindergartens and schools, as well as other educational institutions, can join the educational program. As a rule, participation in the program is individual, so the tasks performed in teams should be carried out so that the personal participation of each participant can be identified. Participants can form a team (up to a maximum of 10 people) and jointly prepare and present documentation for selected proficiencies. The final credit for each team member in this case is an individual test.
§ 8
PAN Botanical Garden in Powsin keeps a named list of participants with a record of the proficiencies obtained. Participants in the program receive written certification of each proficiency earned.
Appendix 1
Requirements for individual skills at the levels of Little and Young Botanist
B - researcher
The child (little botanist) can:
- independently conduct observations of common phenomena in nature and indicate their natural sequence, such as the successive stages of development of an annual plant, phenological appearances of a familiar tree,
- distinguish plant organisms from animal organisms and organisms inhabiting the observed plant from that plant,
- recognize the differences between the presented organisms,
- connect parts of plants they know, such as flowers with fruits or leaves,
- independently tell about the phenomena noticed.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- distinguish plants from fungi and protists and recognize the various relationships between them,
- recognize plant communities,
- Understand the adaptations of observed plants and interdependencies with other organisms at the site,
- independently plan a range of observations and experiments on a selected phenomenon, species or community.
Sample documentation: nature journal, notebook or observation sheets with verbal or graphic notation. If the child dictates a text to an adult to write down, this fact is marked and qualified in the negotiator's skill, and the test includes verification of the child's ability to describe phenomena independently.
O - gardener
The child (little botanist) can:
- distinguish the parts of the plants they know and state what they are used for, and touch and manipulate them in a way that does not interfere with their function,
- Sow and transplant plants that are easy to grow,
- Perform simple maintenance work: weeding, watering, applying support.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- correctly plan the cycle of cultivation of the plants learned,
- perform proper pruning and pinching and taking cuttings,
- Recognize the maturity of seeds and carry out harvesting,
- perform a germination test.
Sample documentation: photos and videos of gardening work done, presentation of self-grown potted plants, notebook of observations of plants grown, calendar of gardening work done.
T - taxonomy
The child (little botanist) can:
- Recognize and name common plant species from their environment,
- Note and show the differences between similar species,
- Formulate a question about an unfamiliar species with its characteristics.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- use the scientific names of plants,
- distinguish the scientific name from the common name and the trade name,
- distinguish between the concepts of genus, species and variety and indicate the systematic affiliation of the plants studied.
Sample documentation: a list of plants from your own garden or public greenery in the immediate area.
A - analyst
The child (little botanist) can:
- describe the observed specimen numerically, e.g. measure the height, give the number of flowers, petals in the flower, etc.
- draw conclusions from observations,
- compare specimens or parts of specimens based on measurements, such as leaf length,
- use dates to refer to phenomena and determine the length of their duration,
- Embed the observed phenomena in the cycle of the seasons.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- measure plants and their parts with appropriate instruments and convert the scale of photos, microscope images,
- present the results of observations in the form of graphs,
- use basic chemical and physical concepts in describing plants and their habitats,
- read and interpret analytical results (e.g., dye content, soil composition, pH, light intensity).
Sample documentation: completed worksheets of tasks proposed by PAN Botanical Garden, descriptions of own experiments and measurements.
N - negotiator
The child (little botanist) can:
- say how he understands legal protection of species and access to protected areas,
- negotiate access to a resource that is out of its reach for various reasons,
For example, ask them to deliver a plant from the store, to help record the results of observations, to check calculations or provide information, to organize a trip to the forest, - Define the limits of their use of nature's resources,
- identify ways to compensate nature for the damage they have caused,
- work in a team and share the results of their work,
- fairly appreciate the involvement of others in the final outcome of their actions.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- search for and understand national and international laws on nature,
- write a sample document based on selected regulations (e.g., application for a permit to reintroduce a species, application for a permit to transport a CITES-listed species, application for a permit to keep an IGO).
Sample documentation: notes indicating the performers of certain activities, list of acknowledgments.
I - illustrator
The child (little botanist) can:
- create graphic documentation of the selected topic in the form of prints, photographs, drawings, prints or other forms,
- select the technique, size of the work and method of presentation for the information being documented.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- Select the scale of presentation of a plant object,
- correctly select the focus, composition and lighting of the photos,
- make a color pattern for selected objects,
- make a drawing of plant elements observed under a microscope or binocular and describe it,
- combine prepared graphics or photos into a coherent botanical illustration.
Sample documentation: at least 5 independently produced works such as drawing herbariums, thematic albums with captioned photos, cards with graphic representation of plants or their parts, collages of dried plants.
K - collector
The child (little botanist) can:
- Design and collect and describe a botanical collection,
- Identify the source of specimens in your collection,
- indicate the applied principles of organizing specimens,
- Dry the plant or part of it flat,
- manipulate the dried plants without damaging them,
- tell about creating and storing the collection and protecting it from pests, for example.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- Describe the collection with the scientific names of the plants,
- Explain the purpose of creating a collection and its limits,
- identify threats to the collection and adjust the storage and preservation method.
Example documentation: properly described collections of seeds, cones, dried leaves, shoots; thematic herbariums; collections of potted or garden plants. In the case of a garden collection of annual plants, preservation in the form of an herbarium or seed collection is required.
Appendix 2
Requirements for each proficiency at the level of Master Botanist
B - researcher
Skills:
- Making observations of common phenomena in nature, drawing conclusions,
- planning a range of observations and experiments on a selected phenomenon, species or community
- Recognizing plants and distinguishing them from the animals, fungi and protists that inhabit the plant, as well as seeing and understanding the various relationships between them,
- Recognizing plant communities,
- Understanding the adaptations of observed plants and interdependence with other organisms at the site.
Sample documentation: nature journal, notebook or observation sheets with verbal or graphic recording.
O - gardener
Skills:
- Proper planning of the cultivation cycle of the plants learned, including naturally occurring species,
- Performing typical maintenance and gardening work, selecting tools,
- Composting, keeping the soil in culture,
- Recognizing the maturity of seeds, harvesting and storing them,
- performing a germination test.
Sample documentation: photos and videos of gardening work done, presentation of self-grown potted plants, notebook of observations of plants grown, calendar of gardening work done.
T - taxonomy
Skills:
- Describing the plant with its characteristics to identify the species,
- Distinguish between a scientific name and a common and commercial name,
- Distinguish between the concepts of genus, species and variety and indicate the systematic affiliation of the plants studied,
- distinguishing between basic syntaxes.
Sample documentation: a list of plants from one's own garden or public greenery in the immediate area taking into account especially plants that appear spontaneously.
A - analyst
Skills:
- Measuring plants and their parts with appropriate instruments, converting the scale of photos, microscope images,
- Embedding observed phenomena in the cycle of seasons, identifying phenological appearances,
- Using basic chemical and physical concepts in describing plants and their habitats,
- Reading and interpreting analytical results (e.g., dye content, soil composition, pH, light intensity),
- selecting appropriate computational methods to analyze their observations and measurements.
Sample documentation: completed worksheets of tasks proposed by PAN Botanical Garden, descriptions of own experiments and measurements.
N - negotiator
Skills:
- Knowledge of plant laws, ability to apply them,
- Editing sample documents based on selected regulations (e.g., application for a permit to reintroduce a species, application for a permit to transport a CITES-listed species, application for a permit to keep an IGO),
- defining the limits of their use of nature's resources with an indication of how to compensate nature for the damage caused in the process,
- Acting for the benefit of the plant world in one's surroundings (e.g., caring for common green spaces, citizen science activities, involvement in the protection of naturally valuable areas).
Sample documentation: notes on actions taken.
I - illustrator
Skills:
- creation of graphic documentation of the selected topic in the form of prints, photographs, drawings, prints or other forms, using the appropriate scale of presentation of the plant object,
- Selection of techniques, work sizes and modes of representation for the information being documented, including correct focus, composition and lighting of the photos,
- Making a color pattern for selected objects,
- Making a drawing of plant elements observed under a microscope or binocular with appropriate description,
- combining prepared graphics or photos into a cohesive botanical illustration.
Sample documentation: at least 5 independently produced works such as drawing herbariums, thematic albums with captioned photos, cards with graphic representation of plants or their parts, collages of dried plants.
K - collector
Skills:
- Design and collect and describe a botanical collection (among other things, identify the source of the specimens in your collection and indicate the principles used to organize the specimens),
- Drying plants and handling them without damaging them,
- Explain the purpose of creating a collection and its limits,
- Identifying threats to the collection and adjusting storage and preservation methods.
Example documentation: properly described collections of seeds, cones, dried leaves, shoots; thematic herbariums; collections of potted or garden plants. In the case of a garden collection of annual plants, preservation in the form of an herbarium or seed collection is required.
is for children, adolescents and adults. Its goal is to develop an attitude of scientific understanding, a rational and caring approach to nature and related: respect for the work of researchers, respect for the work of those implementing the results or supporting the research process, the ability to cooperate and learn from each other, and commitment to nature conservation through everyday behavior.
"M. Botanist" is respectively:
- Little Botanist - for children under 10 years old
- Young Botanist - for young people under 20 years of age
- Master Botanist - for adults
§ 2
- The status of "little botanist" is earned by a child who has earned the following proficiencies in any order and at any time before the age of 10:
- B - researcher: ability to independently observe and study natural phenomena
- O - gardener: ability to care for plants
- T - taxonomy: the ability to name the plants you know
- A - analyst: ability to interpret, infer and propose a simple mathematical description
- N - negotiator: understanding of resource rights, ability to negotiate access disputes
- I - illustrator: ability to create graphic documentation (photograph or figure)
- K - collector: the ability to design and collect a botanical collection.
- The status of "young botanist" is given to a person who is at least 10 years old and before the age of 20 has acquired the skills listed in item 1 to the extent indicated for this age group.
- The range of specific requirements for each proficiency in the relevant category is provided in Appendix 1 to the regulations.
- Receipt of the status of "small botanist" or "young botanist" is confirmed by the Director of the PAN Botanical Garden - Center for the Preservation of Botanical Diversity in Powsin by providing a named certificate, which may also be in the form of a diploma or certificate.
§ 3
- The status of "master botanist" is awarded to an adult who has earned the proficiencies listed in § 2 item 1 within the scope indicated for this age group, and has additionally demonstrated his proficiency in caring for nature or passing on his knowledge and skills to younger generations.
- The range of detailed requirements for each proficiency is attached as Appendix 2 to the regulations.
- Receipt of the status of "master botanist" is confirmed by the Director of the PAS Botanical Garden - Center for the Preservation of Botanical Diversity in Powsin by providing a named certificate, which may also be in the form of a diploma or certificate.
§ 4
- The attainment of individual proficiencies is confirmed by specialists from the PAS Botanical Garden during tests organized on the grounds of the Garden by the Education Department. Such tests may be held collectively or individually, during holiday classes, events organized on the grounds of the Garden or on other occasions. In exceptional cases, it is allowed to pass the proficiency on the basis of submitted documentation prepared by the participant, if his/her life or health situation prevents him/her from appearing in the Garden.
- The test involves verifying the program participant's skills demonstrated in the form of created documentation. It may include tasks to be performed on the spot, a list of questions for oral answers, a worksheet of tasks to be completed.
- Tests on a single proficiency can be taken more than once. Each test can then have a different form.
§ 5
- Children participating in the program in documenting the acquisition of skills in a given proficiency may use the assistance of adults. Parts of the work done by adults should then be properly described or labeled and are counted as part of the "negotiator" proficiency.
- In the case of joint participation in the program of an adult and a child, the adult's assistance to the child can show in the documentation to the status of "master botanist."
§ 6
Documentation for a given fitness may be:
- A collection of described photos, drawings, herbarium cards,
- observation notebook,
- artwork, poster, mock-up,
- multimedia presentation (as long as its subject matter is compatible with the participant's skills)
- completed worksheets of tasks proposed by the Botanical Garden's Education Department
and other forms feasible for the respective participant.
Documentation is evaluated only on its merits.
§ 7
Kindergartens and schools, as well as other educational institutions, can join the educational program. As a rule, participation in the program is individual, so the tasks performed in teams should be carried out so that the personal participation of each participant can be identified. Participants can form a team (up to a maximum of 10 people) and jointly prepare and present documentation for selected proficiencies. The final credit for each team member in this case is an individual test.
§ 8
PAN Botanical Garden in Powsin keeps a named list of participants with a record of the proficiencies obtained. Participants in the program receive written certification of each proficiency earned.
Appendix 1
Requirements for individual skills at the levels of Little and Young Botanist
B - researcher
The child (little botanist) can:
- independently conduct observations of common phenomena in nature and indicate their natural sequence, such as the successive stages of development of an annual plant, phenological appearances of a familiar tree,
- distinguish plant organisms from animal organisms and organisms inhabiting the observed plant from that plant,
- recognize the differences between the presented organisms,
- connect parts of plants they know, such as flowers with fruits or leaves,
- independently tell about the phenomena noticed.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- distinguish plants from fungi and protists and recognize the various relationships between them,
- recognize plant communities,
- Understand the adaptations of observed plants and interdependencies with other organisms at the site,
- independently plan a range of observations and experiments on a selected phenomenon, species or community.
Sample documentation: nature journal, notebook or observation sheets with verbal or graphic notation. If the child dictates a text to an adult to write down, this fact is marked and qualified in the negotiator's skill, and the test includes verification of the child's ability to describe phenomena independently.
O - gardener
The child (little botanist) can:
- distinguish the parts of the plants they know and state what they are used for, and touch and manipulate them in a way that does not interfere with their function,
- Sow and transplant plants that are easy to grow,
- Perform simple maintenance work: weeding, watering, applying support.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- correctly plan the cycle of cultivation of the plants learned,
- perform proper pruning and pinching and taking cuttings,
- Recognize the maturity of seeds and carry out harvesting,
- perform a germination test.
Sample documentation: photos and videos of gardening work done, presentation of self-grown potted plants, notebook of observations of plants grown, calendar of gardening work done.
T - taxonomy
The child (little botanist) can:
- Recognize and name common plant species from their environment,
- Note and show the differences between similar species,
- Formulate a question about an unfamiliar species with its characteristics.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- use the scientific names of plants,
- distinguish the scientific name from the common name and the trade name,
- distinguish between the concepts of genus, species and variety and indicate the systematic affiliation of the plants studied.
Sample documentation: a list of plants from your own garden or public greenery in the immediate area.
A - analyst
The child (little botanist) can:
- describe the observed specimen numerically, e.g. measure the height, give the number of flowers, petals in the flower, etc.
- draw conclusions from observations,
- compare specimens or parts of specimens based on measurements, such as leaf length,
- use dates to refer to phenomena and determine the length of their duration,
- Embed the observed phenomena in the cycle of the seasons.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- measure plants and their parts with appropriate instruments and convert the scale of photos, microscope images,
- present the results of observations in the form of graphs,
- use basic chemical and physical concepts in describing plants and their habitats,
- read and interpret analytical results (e.g., dye content, soil composition, pH, light intensity).
Sample documentation: completed worksheets of tasks proposed by PAN Botanical Garden, descriptions of own experiments and measurements.
N - negotiator
The child (little botanist) can:
- say how he understands legal protection of species and access to protected areas,
- negotiate access to a resource that is out of its reach for various reasons,
For example, ask them to deliver a plant from the store, to help record the results of observations, to check calculations or provide information, to organize a trip to the forest, - Define the limits of their use of nature's resources,
- identify ways to compensate nature for the damage they have caused,
- work in a team and share the results of their work,
- fairly appreciate the involvement of others in the final outcome of their actions.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- search for and understand national and international laws on nature,
- write a sample document based on selected regulations (e.g., application for a permit to reintroduce a species, application for a permit to transport a CITES-listed species, application for a permit to keep an IGO).
Sample documentation: notes indicating the performers of certain activities, list of acknowledgments.
I - illustrator
The child (little botanist) can:
- create graphic documentation of the selected topic in the form of prints, photographs, drawings, prints or other forms,
- select the technique, size of the work and method of presentation for the information being documented.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- Select the scale of presentation of a plant object,
- correctly select the focus, composition and lighting of the photos,
- make a color pattern for selected objects,
- make a drawing of plant elements observed under a microscope or binocular and describe it,
- combine prepared graphics or photos into a coherent botanical illustration.
Sample documentation: at least 5 independently produced works such as drawing herbariums, thematic albums with captioned photos, cards with graphic representation of plants or their parts, collages of dried plants.
K - collector
The child (little botanist) can:
- Design and collect and describe a botanical collection,
- Identify the source of specimens in your collection,
- indicate the applied principles of organizing specimens,
- Dry the plant or part of it flat,
- manipulate the dried plants without damaging them,
- tell about creating and storing the collection and protecting it from pests, for example.
A teenager (young botanist) additionally can:
- Describe the collection with the scientific names of the plants,
- Explain the purpose of creating a collection and its limits,
- identify threats to the collection and adjust the storage and preservation method.
Example documentation: properly described collections of seeds, cones, dried leaves, shoots; thematic herbariums; collections of potted or garden plants. In the case of a garden collection of annual plants, preservation in the form of an herbarium or seed collection is required.
Appendix 2
Requirements for each proficiency at the level of Master Botanist
B - researcher
Skills:
- Making observations of common phenomena in nature, drawing conclusions,
- planning a range of observations and experiments on a selected phenomenon, species or community
- Recognizing plants and distinguishing them from the animals, fungi and protists that inhabit the plant, as well as seeing and understanding the various relationships between them,
- Recognizing plant communities,
- Understanding the adaptations of observed plants and interdependence with other organisms at the site.
Sample documentation: nature journal, notebook or observation sheets with verbal or graphic recording.
O - gardener
Skills:
- Proper planning of the cultivation cycle of the plants learned, including naturally occurring species,
- Performing typical maintenance and gardening work, selecting tools,
- Composting, keeping the soil in culture,
- Recognizing the maturity of seeds, harvesting and storing them,
- performing a germination test.
Sample documentation: photos and videos of gardening work done, presentation of self-grown potted plants, notebook of observations of plants grown, calendar of gardening work done.
T - taxonomy
Skills:
- Describing the plant with its characteristics to identify the species,
- Distinguish between a scientific name and a common and commercial name,
- Distinguish between the concepts of genus, species and variety and indicate the systematic affiliation of the plants studied,
- distinguishing between basic syntaxes.
Sample documentation: a list of plants from one's own garden or public greenery in the immediate area taking into account especially plants that appear spontaneously.
A - analyst
Skills:
- Measuring plants and their parts with appropriate instruments, converting the scale of photos, microscope images,
- Embedding observed phenomena in the cycle of seasons, identifying phenological appearances,
- Using basic chemical and physical concepts in describing plants and their habitats,
- Reading and interpreting analytical results (e.g., dye content, soil composition, pH, light intensity),
- selecting appropriate computational methods to analyze their observations and measurements.
Sample documentation: completed worksheets of tasks proposed by PAN Botanical Garden, descriptions of own experiments and measurements.
N - negotiator
Skills:
- Knowledge of plant laws, ability to apply them,
- Editing sample documents based on selected regulations (e.g., application for a permit to reintroduce a species, application for a permit to transport a CITES-listed species, application for a permit to keep an IGO),
- defining the limits of their use of nature's resources with an indication of how to compensate nature for the damage caused in the process,
- Acting for the benefit of the plant world in one's surroundings (e.g., caring for common green spaces, citizen science activities, involvement in the protection of naturally valuable areas).
Sample documentation: notes on actions taken.
I - illustrator
Skills:
- creation of graphic documentation of the selected topic in the form of prints, photographs, drawings, prints or other forms, using the appropriate scale of presentation of the plant object,
- Selection of techniques, work sizes and modes of representation for the information being documented, including correct focus, composition and lighting of the photos,
- Making a color pattern for selected objects,
- Making a drawing of plant elements observed under a microscope or binocular with appropriate description,
- combining prepared graphics or photos into a cohesive botanical illustration.
Sample documentation: at least 5 independently produced works such as drawing herbariums, thematic albums with captioned photos, cards with graphic representation of plants or their parts, collages of dried plants.
K - collector
Skills:
- Design and collect and describe a botanical collection (among other things, identify the source of the specimens in your collection and indicate the principles used to organize the specimens),
- Drying plants and handling them without damaging them,
- Explain the purpose of creating a collection and its limits,
- Identifying threats to the collection and adjusting storage and preservation methods.
Example documentation: properly described collections of seeds, cones, dried leaves, shoots; thematic herbariums; collections of potted or garden plants. In the case of a garden collection of annual plants, preservation in the form of an herbarium or seed collection is required.
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