It is thought that sunflowers may have been domesticated before corn, as early as 3000 BC in the area that is now Mexico, New Mexico, and Arizona and in the Mississippi Valley by 2300 BC. The plant is certainly native to northern Central America and grew tall and bushy, with many flowers per plant. Evidence suggests that the seeds were used to grind into flour for bread or made into a meal that was mixed with squash, corn, or beans. Various tribes used the plants to create dyes, for oil that was applied to the skin and hair, and the stalks were even used as a building material. Sunflowers were also used as beanpoles, like corn was in the Three Sisters method of growing.
As part of our integrated Arts, you are asked to make a sunflower using your handprint and newspaper for the stem .... when they are done we will judge them based on a few criterion including: tallest, fullest, and most realistic...
