During fall semester 2000 an experimental course, Botany 308X; "Plants in the Classroom," was offered for the first time on the Iowa State University campus. The objectives of this course were several-fold. Our first objective was to help preservice teachers increase their knowledge base in plant biology at the structural, functional, and ecological levels. Second, we hoped to increase the students' appreciation for the diversity of organisms within the plant kingdom. Third, we gave students the opportunity to experience a variety of easily accessible materials and methods for learning about plant biology. Finally, we provided opportunities for the students to use their knowledge of plant biology to design, and implement, developmentally appropriate lesson plans focused on selected aspects of plant biology. Course activities included experiences with Wisconsin "fast plants," investigations carried out with plant materials easily available in grocery stores, use of the "C-fern" system to study reproduction in seedless plants, production of short videos on microscopic aspects of plants, and development/implementation of lesson plans comparing native and introduced plants in Iowa. Evaluation of the course was carried out using a focus group strategy during the last week of the semester. Overall, the students reported that "their knowledge of biology increased greatly - more than they expected - and that their interest in plants was heightened."