This lesson plan will have students read “Cream of the Crop” and answer the questions associated with it. After, they will complete a hands-on fact-based activity demonstrating the importance and role roots play in ecosystems, especially native prairies. Materials: A copy of “Cream of the Crop” Writing utensil Paper for notes Materials for FACTivity (see FACTivity: Cream of the Crop) Topics: Agriculture, Experiment, Group Activity, Prairie Ecosystem, Roots.