No Plant (Should Be) Left Behind: Rethinking Science Teaching for Tomorrow’s World with Plant Awareness
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Abstract
What would life on Earth look like without plants? Plants are fundamental components of ecosystems and play a vital role in sustaining all forms of life on Earth. They act as primary producers in food chains, provide habitats for diverse organisms, generate oxygen essential for respiration, and function as natural buffers against climate change and natural disasters. Despite these crucial roles, plants are often overlooked or insufficiently acknowledged in both public perception and education, leading to a phenomenon known as “plant blindness,” or the lack of “plant awareness”. This phenomenon has garnered increasing attention in research and education communities globally, particularly over the past decade. Classroom instruction has been identified as both a considerable contributing factor to this issue and a promising pathway to addressing it. In response, this academic article aims to deepen understanding of plant blindness situation and emphasize the importance of fostering plant awareness among our Thai students through classroom practices. This academic article provides content covering the definition and background of the phenomenon, its significance, and possible methods for investigation and development processes. It also offers an example of science learning activity aiming to encourage students to develop plant awareness and recognize the value and roles of plants in their daily lives. This academic article is intended to serve as a useful reference for Thai teachers and educators who are interested in creating learning experiences that help their students develop plant awareness, reconnect with the often-overlooked yet indispensable world of plants, and build a more sustainable relationship with nature.
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