Labels for the seed swap

Labels for the seed swap

At a school seed swap, Pavi noticed three envelopes labelled simply flowers. The owners could describe the plants but did not know their names. Pavi made a second label with the colour, height and place where each plant had grown. She also wrote name unknown. A visitor said the descriptions were useful, but they should not be treated as certain plant identifications. The class kept the uncertain envelopes separate from packets with reliable names and growing instructions.

Try it yourself

1. What information was missing from the three envelopes?

   1. the owners' handwriting
   2. the envelope shape
   3. the word flowers
   4. reliable plant names

2. Name two descriptive details Pavi added.

3. Why did Pavi write name unknown?

   1. to claim a scientific identification
   2. to change their colour
   3. to pretend the plants had no features
   4. to make the uncertainty clear

4. Why were the descriptions useful but not a definite identification?

5. Where were the uncertain envelopes kept?

   1. mixed without labels
   2. separate from reliably named packets
   3. thrown into water
   4. inside a visitor's bag

6. What does this passage suggest about recording information you are unsure of?

Answers and marking notes