Each group needs:

• 3 flowers or leaves of their choice (Note: Choose flowers/leaves from a pile collected by the teacher or have the class go outside and find samples from school grounds. Be sure to advise students how to take clippings without damaging the tree, plant or surroundings. Note: Carnations work well.)
• 1 plastic cup
• 4 latex gloves (2 per person)
• 1 pair tweezers or tongs
• 1 razor blade or other cutting tool to "dissect" the plants. (Note: Advise students on proper cutting techniques or have a "cutting station" where they can bring their specimen to be cut by an adult.)
• 1 square brown or black (darker colored) cardboard, ~ 1 ft x 1 ft
• Dyeing Plants Worksheet

To share with the entire class:

• fluorescent blacklight (~15W) (Note: A fluorescent blacklight may be purchased for ~$20. Incandescent lights are less expensive, but do not provide enough energy for this activity.)
• radiator leak detection dye (available at NAPA or other auto parts store for ~$3)
• (optional) microscope (to take a closer look at the dye in the veins of the plant)