This activity intends to engage students explore and identify the different ethno-botanical plants found along the area of Malumpati Cold Spring Resort and Bugang River. It is also a review of how the people in Pandan – particular residents near the place – used plants or the benefits, economic importance and value of plants in their way of living. In addition, students will enhance their skills necessary to make quality observations (drawing and writing). They will practice written observations of simple objects and see if other students can guess the object. This activity can be done individually or in pairs

1. BE AN ETHNOBOTANIST
A Field Guide Activity
LOCATION/SITE: Malumpati Cold Spring and Bugang River
Guia, Pandan, Antique
TASK DESCRIPTION:
Plants have always played a central role within indigenous
cultures. Plant products are used as food, as sources of medicine,
and as raw materials for the weaving of fabric. In addition, wood is
commonly used as a fuel for cooking and to keep warm, and as a
material for the construction of homes and for manufacturing
tools. The indigenous knowledge of particular species of plants
useful for these purposes is a key cultural adaptation to having a
successful life in local ecosystems (http://science.jrank.org).
This activity intends to engage students explore and identify
the different ethno-botanical plants found along the area of
Malumpati Cold Spring Resort and Bugang River. It is also a
review of how the people in Pandan – particular residents near
the place – used plants or the benefits, economic importance and
value of plants in their way of living. In addition, students will
enhance their skills necessary to make quality observations
(drawing and writing). They will practice written observations of
simple objects and see if other students can guess the object.
This activity can be done individually or in pairs.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this activity, the learners are
expected to:
1. acquire knowledge and understanding on the ethno-
botanical characteristics and uses of plants;
2. practice observation skills through morphological
identification of ethnobotanical plants; and
3. appreciate the its importance, benefits and economic
value of these plants to people and environment.
ALLOTTED TIME: 1 day
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
 Student Field Guide Templates
 Pencils
 Clipboards
 Rulers and Measuring tape
 Magnifying glass
 Camera/Cellphone
 First aid kit
 Proper attire
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
Before the conduct of this activity will be done, the following
precautionary measures should be considered for a safe fieldwork
activity:
 Proper Attire: wear light-colored, long sleeved shirst,
long pants, boots, and hat against sun and heat
exhaustion, poisonous plants, biting bugs and reptiles.
Avoid wearing anything strong-smelling in the field
(perfumes). Don’t forget to bring first aid kit.
 Situation Awareness: Be alert to your situation and the
numerous ways in which it may change. Know where
you are, relative to your origin, and destination. Make
sure some knows where you are going and when you
plan to return. Carry hand-held radios or cell phones for
communications with others.
 Dehydration: Drink plenty of fluids – water and sports
drinks balance electrolytes. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. If
overheated, seek shade and water.
 Take a Buddy: Never go into the field alone. Always
have at least one other person with you when working
outdoors. It's all too easy to "vanish" even when in sight
of civilization
 Environment: We're not here to destroy the
environment, we're here to study it and utilize its
resources. That implies the obligation of good
stewardship. Pack it in, pack it out. It's a simple mantra
and it includes carrying out your water bottles, apple
cores and banana peels, and if possible, also the trash
left by others. Bear in mind that ALL natural members
(plants and animals) of an ecosystem play vital roles in
nature and can even serve our interests. Seeing one
should be considered a real treat and not an opportunity
to molest it or kill it.
 Preserve the beauty and cleanliness of Malumpati and
Bugang River by observing the adventurer’s
mantra: take nothing but pictures; leave nothing but
footprints; kill nothing but time.
MECHANICS/PROCEDURES:
1. Students will be given clipboards, field guide templates,
pencils and rulers.
2. Students will become ethnobotanist. In pairs or
individually, students should spend 10 minutes to find a
shrub or small plant to closely investigate.
3. On the field guide template, will identify the name,
describe its morphological characteristics and will
discuss the importance, benefits (medicinal value) and
economic value to the residents and the environment.
4. Students will also take pictures for documentation and
compiled it on a portfolio.
REFERENCES:
 http://www.fgcu.edu/EHS/Files/Field_Study_Precautions.
pdf
 http://science.jrank.org/pages/2585/Ethnobotany.html
Kruuhaay!!! Welcome to Pandan…
A clean and Healthy Spring found in a dense tropical
forest. A clean, Hidden and Green Paradise in Pandan,
Come and Feel the beauty of nature only in Pandan!
©k_barrientos

2. STUDENT FIELD GUIDE
Name/s: ______________________________________ Date: ____________________ Detailed Plant Drawing:
Morphological Characteristics:
Size: Height: _________ cm
Width: _________ cm
Description (includes leaves, flowers, fruit, bark, etc.)
_________________________________________________________________________
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Where plant is found:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
How human and environment benefit from this plant:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
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Insert Photo here