Gymnosperms?

What is a gymnosperm?  Thanks for asking!  A gymnosperm is a plant we commonly call evergreens or conifers.  The word is from the Greek word gymnospermos which means "naked seed."  The seeds of these plants are enclosed in a cone, not in a fruit like the angiosperms.

For the last few days the 5th graders have been taking a close look at the 8 gymnosperms that grow in Northern Minnesota.  I am hoping that the students learn the names of these trees so they can identify them in the woods.  In January we will go out into the school forest to test their skills.