What's new

This study tested whether using the PlantNet plant identification app with out-of-school learning improved 5th-grade students' knowledge of local plants and their biodiversity behaviours. Students completed a plant species questionnaire and a biodiversity behaviour questionnaire before and after examining plants around them with the app. Afterwards, students listed more herb and tree species and reported more biodiversity-related behaviours. There was a positive, high-level relationship between the number of species students knew and their biodiversity-related behaviours.

Why it matters in Aotearoa

Knowing local plants supports sustainability learning and connection to place in Aotearoa. The study suggests mobile tools can support this during EOTC.

Putting it into practice

Run a session where students use a plant identification app to find and record species in the school grounds or a local reserve, then build a class species list.

How strong is the evidence

A pre-post design with no control group mentioned. The abstract does not give the sample size or country, and behaviours were measured by questionnaire.

What to read

The method section describing the app-based activities.

Who it's for