1.0: INTRODUCTION OF ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is a species of succulent plant and one of about 250 species of Aloes that probably originated in northern Africa. The Aloes are members of the Lily family (Liliaceae) and, therefore, are relatives of such common plants as tulips, Easter lilies, and asparagus. Aloe vera is believed to be native to the Mediterranean, but its exact native habitat is unknown. The common names for Aloe vera are True Aloe, Medicine Plant, Burn Plant, and Barbados Aloe. While the scientific name is Aloe barbadensis. The term Aloe is came from the ancient Arabic name from the plant, vera is true or genuine and barbadensis was from or of Barbados. Aloe vera makes a sturdy, long-lived houseplant as long as it is given plenty of sunlight and is not over-watered. Many home gardeners grow it on a windowsill so the sap is readily available. In the Old World the aloes have had a long history of economic use, and this species in particular has been carried around by people for so long that its original habitat has been lost in history. In fact, some taxonomists believe that Aloe vera is not even a naturally developed species, but instead some ancient hybrid. This may, in part, account for the use of two scientific names for the species. The species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine since the beginning of the first century AD. Extracts from Aloe vera are widely used in the cosmetics and alternative medicine industries, being marketed as variously having rejuvenating, healing or soothing properties. Medical uses of aloe vera are being investigated as well.

Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 60100 cm (2439 in) tall, spreading by offsets that grows in a rosette fashion on hot, well-drained soils. The leaves are spotted when young but take on a uniform light green color with age. Spotted forms of Aloe vera are sometimes known as Aloe vera var. chinensis.Their leaves also are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on the upper and lower stem surfaces. The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 23 cm (0.81.2 in) long. Like other Aloe species, Aloe vera forms arbuscular mycorrhiza, a symbiosis that allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients in soil. Older plants produce an 18-inch long stalk from the center of the rosette that is topped with nodding cylindrical yellow flowers about 1-inch long.

Interest in the sap of this species extends back over 2000 years. It is bitter, slimy, and can be collected as an exudate from cut leaves or squeezed from the pulp of leaves. Leaves from all aloes have long been credited with healing properties, but the especially succulent Aloe vera is valued most.The natural range of Aloe vera is unclear, as the species has been widely cultivated throughout the world. Naturalised stands of the species occur in the southern half of the Arabian peninsula, through North Africa (Morocco, Mauritania, Egypt) as well as Sudan and neighbouring countries, along with the Canary, Cape Verde, and Madeira Islands.

Aloe vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. The species is popular with modern gardeners as a putatively medicinal plant and due to its interesting flowers, form, and succulence. This succulence enables the species to survive in areas of low natural rainfall, making it ideal for rockeries and other low-water use gardens. The species is hardy in zones 811, although it is intolerant of very heavy frost or snow. The species is relatively resistant to most insect pests, though spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, and aphid species may cause a decline in plant health. In pots, the species requires well-drained sandy potting soil and bright sunny conditions however, in very hot and humid tropical or subtropical climates, aloe plants should be protected from direct sun and rain, as they will burn and/or turn mushy easily under these conditions.

By studying many benefits of aloe vera, this species was interacting our attention to investigate deeper about their uses. Thats why, we chose this species as our subject of project of Biology Teaching Method. Lets study more about this species.

2.0: USES OF ALOE VERA

2.1: INTERNAL

1. JUICESThere are several aloe vera uses, Here, in no particular order, is a guide to the top ten health benefits of drinking aloe vera juice:

Detoxifies the bodyAloe vera juice is a great natural aid to detox. With our stressful lives, the pollution around us and the junk foods we eat, we all need to cleanse our systems from time to time. Some people more often than others! Drinking aloe vera juice provides a fantastically rich cocktail of vitamins, minerals and trace elements to help our bodies deal with these stresses and strains everyday.

Healthy DigestionA healthy digestive system makes sure that we absorb as many of the nutrients as possible from the foods we eat. Aloe vera juice has natural detoxifying abilities; and one of theAloe vera uses is that itseems to improve bowel regularity and increases protein absorption. It also helps to decrease the amount of unfriendly bacteria and yeast in our gut. Aloe vera has been shown to help reduce and soothe heartburn and other digestive problems.

Natural Immune SupportAloe vera is full of anti-oxidants natural immune enhancers which fight free radicals within our body. Free radicals are the unstable compounds produced as a side-effect of our metabolism. They are thought to cause various ailments, as well as contributing to the ageing process. Drinking aloe vera juice regularly gives the body a regular supply of anti-oxidants, which can boost and enhance the immune system.

Reduce InflammationAloe vera juice contains 12 substances which can slow down or inhibit inflammation, without any side-effects. Some people say that drinking aloe vera juice helps with their stiff, swollen or painful joints.

Collagen and Elastin Repair for Healthy SkinDrinking aloe vera juice adds a rich supply of raw materials to your diet, which can produce and maintain really healthy skin. The skin replaces itself every 28 days. Using the nutritional building blocks of aloe vera, the skin can use these nutrients daily to help combat the effects of ageing, therefore on eof theAloe vera uses is that it is anti- aeging.Aloe vera also helps in soothing minor burns, cuts, scrapes and skin irritations.

Regulate Weight and Energy LevelsDrinking aloe vera juice naturally allows the body to cleanse the digestive system. Our diets include many substances which can cause fatigue and exhaustion. Taken regularly, aloe vera juice ensures a greater feeling of well-being, allowing energy levels to increase and helps maintain a healthy body weight

Daily Dose of Vitamins & MineralsOtherAloe vera uses includes supplying body with dialy dose of vitamins and minerals.Aloe vera juice contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12 (the aloe vera plant is one of the few plants in the world to contain vitamin B12), C, E, Folic Acid and Niacin. The human body cannot store some of these vitamins, so we need to supplement them regularly through our diet. The minerals found in aloe vera include Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Magnesium, Chromium and more Plenty of good nutrition in aloe vera juice!

Amino AcidsThe human body requires 20 amino acids to build protein; 8 of these amino acids are essential which means the body cant make them itself. Aloe vera contains 19 of these amino acids, and 7 of the essential amino acids. So drinking aloe vera juice tops up your bodys daily supply.

Dental HealthAloe vera is extremely helpful for your mouth and gums. As well as its natural anti-bacterial and anti-microbial actions, it contains vitamins and minerals which promote cell growth and healing. There are some aloe vera toothgels available which contain a high level of pure aloe vera, which may help with bleeding gums and mouth ulcers.

Better than Nutritional SupplementsRecent research has shown that adding good foods to our diets, rich in naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, is far better than adding supplements alone. The good news is that Aloe Vera juice is considered a food, rather than a manufactured supplement. So drinking aloe vera juice is probably better than taking supplements alone, because our bodies can absorb all the nutrients in aloe vera more easily, and utilise them more effectively.

2. MEDICINE (SUPPLEMENT/PILL)

Abstract of aloe vera are being use as a components in making the medicine. There are a lot of benefit for healthy. For examples

De-Worming

As soon as a child gets sick in Jamaica, the parents suspects that the child has worms. They may buy pharmaceutical de-worming medicine or subscribe to herbal medicines such as aloe vera. Herbalist's in Jamaica learn the properties of the plants by the observing the plants in their natural environment. For example, It is observed that parasitic worms that eat plants cannot penetrate the aloe vera. It is therefore assumed that the single bible plant contains natural worm repellents or insecticides. The ability of the plant to heal itself when cut is also a good property to look for in plants. Aloe Vera also has the ability to grow roots when cut and isolated. These properties are indications of the potency of the healing properties of any plant.The skin of the plant of the Aloe Vera is where the medicinal worm repellent ingredient of the plant is concentrated. Blending the skin and drinking it will kill any type of worm in the intestines or else where. However, strong dosages are not necessary.

Good Bacterial Flora

For someone who eats a lot of meat and little fiber, they would have to go on a 12 hour aloe vera fasting in order to reset the intestinal track of the body before they start eating healthy again. Meats in the intestinal track ferments very quickly which produces a lot of toxins. These toxins in turn paralyses the peristaltic motion of the intestinal muscles. So the meat stays even longer in the body and decomposes even more.One of the medicinal uses of aloe vera is to clear the intestinal track of all residues. Because the aloe vera is slimy, this helps to trap particles in the intestines, especially the colon. When the residual wastes are trapped and cleared from the body, the good bacteria will automatically replenish itself and aid in proper digestion. The peristaltic ring like muscle will then start working properly again.

Cold and Flu

Aloe Vera boosts the immune system. It contains a long list of Phytonutrients. It contains Vitamin A, B, C, E. It contains a long list of minerals, plant sterols and enzymes. Therefore, the nutrients in the Aloe Vera reinforces each other. When cold and flu symptoms are a result of stressful environments, the use of aloe vera will almost immediately releive colds and flu's.

Gastroenteritis, Diarrhea and Constipation

Aloe Vera is the number one cure for Gastroenteritis, Diarrhea and Constipation on the island. It is the surest cure. Gastroenteritis and diarrhea is normally caused by a select couple of very stubborn bacteria. These bacteria releases very potent toxins that can literally shut down the body and result in death. The diarrhea is a result of the intestinal track desperately trying to remove the bacteria from the intestinal track, normally unsuccessfully. Fortunately soaking the aloe vera in some coconut water and drinking it will easily eliminate the bacteria from the intestines.Constipation is alleviated because the aloe vera removes the bacteria that is paralyzing the intestinal track and it helps to push through hard solid body waste. Vitamin B12 for Vegans

Finding a proper non-meat source for Vitamin B12 has always been a mystery. The good bacteria in the body produces Vitamin B12. The main medicinal use of aloe vera is to support and improve bacteria flora. In addition aloe vera contains the correct combinations of minerals that the bacteria needs to produce Vitamin B12.

Energy Booster

One medicinal use of aloe vera is boasting energy levels. This is due to the vitamin b complexes and other nutrients that aid in converting a higher percentage of the food in your stomach to energy. I personally take a pill of aloe plant in the morning before leaving the house. I definately feel an energy boost. Its also a good cure for low energy associated with depression or sadness.

Cancer TreatmentThe main medicinal use of aloe vera is reversing the effects of cancer. The University of the West Indies and Northern Caribbean University did a joint research about treating cancer with aloe vera. The aloe vera contains a super mineral called organic germanium. Most of the healing properties of the plant is attributed to this mineral. The reasearch done by the universities proved that organic germanium helps to shut down cancer cells. The properties of the aloe vera plant basically sends a message to the cancer cells DNA that gives it instructions to stop replicating and shut down.

2.2: EXTERNAL

1. PERSONAL CAREAloe vera is now widely used for commodities such as: a) Cosmetics Products.b) Toiletries Products.c) Skin care Products.d) Baby care Products.

a) Cosmetics Products.For examples: mascara, foundation.Remove eye makeup.

b) Toiletries Products.For examples: soap, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, body scrub.

Pamper yourself to a soothing body rub. Slice aloe leaves lengthwise and use the inner sides as a biodegradable body scrub in the shower.

Speed up hair growth by massaging aloe into the scalp, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and rinsing. .Reduce hair dandruffby mixing aloe vera juice with coconut milk and wheat germ oil. Massage into scalp and rinse. Replace aloe with conditioner for silkier, smoother hair. Strengthen gums and promote strong, healthy teeth by taking orally or use toothpaste with aloe vera ingredients.

c) Skin Care Products.For examples: facial, body lotion. Use as an antidote to allergic skin reactions. Replace creams and lotions as a general moisturizer for dry skin. Aloe is fast absorbing! Prevent pesky pimples and treatacne. Prevent scarring and stretch marks. Reverse signs of aging skin and wrinkle Brighten skin. Aloe can decrease pigmentation and dark spots.

d) Baby Care Products. For examples: moisturiser. Make feet baby soft with anexfoliating foot maskby mixing together a half cup of oatmeal, a half cup of corn meal, four tbsp. of aloe vera gel and a half cup of unscented body lotion.

2. TOPICAL TREATMENTS.

The traditional uses of aloe vera is to: form a protective coating over ulcers and low the progression of ulcer sores. The coating also protects the ulcer from future damage by the stomach's acidic juices. The nutrients in the aloe vera also counteracts the bacteria responsible for the progression of ulcers. All these factors combine to help the stomach repair itself of the ulcer and return to normal functioning. Treat burns from minor mishaps in the kitchenfrom grease splatters or hot utensils. .For more major kitchen mishaps like a scald, mix some aloe gel and vitamin E oil into a little jar for a homemade burn healer. Soothe and healsunburnsthe feel-good way. Aloe contains cooling properties similar to menthol. Alleviate mysterious rashes. Reduce tissue damage from frostbite. Take the sting or itch out ofinsect bites. Treat minor vaginal irritations. Boil leaves in a pan of water and breathe in the vapor to alleviate asthma Sip to minimize inflammation and infection of the eye and ear.

3. PHYTOCHEMICALS

Aloe veraleaves containphytochemicalsunder study for possible bioactivity, such as acetylatedmannans, polymannans,anthraquinoneC-glycosides, anthrones andanthraquinones, and variouslectins.

3.0: HOW TO PRESERVE ALOE VERA

Firstly, aloe vera plant is take off from its pot. After that, the aloe vera is first cleaned with water. Then each of the aloe vera part is wiped with the towel to made sure that it is dry and clean. After that, the solution for the preservation is prepared. The solutions is prepared by using ethanol and water. The ratio (30% - 70%) is used to prepared the solution.To make sure the volume of the water and ethanol is match with the ratio, the volume of the container is measured by recording the volume of water that can fill the whole part of the container.Then from the result, the volume of the container is 1300 mL. After that, the amount of the ethanol is 910 mL poured into the container and then followed by 390 mL of ethanol because the water must be added to the acid to prevent from splashing. After that, the solution must be stirred to have a homogeneous solution. After the solution is prepared, the aloe vera that are already cleaned and dried is put in the container containing the solution mixture of water and ethanol. The part of the aloe vera is made sure to immerse into solution. Lastly, the container with the aloe vera is placed at the safety area.

4.0 : CONCEPT MAP-Ethyl alcohol-water-BottleWet preservedWays to preserved-use for study possible bioactivity-CosmeticMascara-ToiletriesSoapToothpaste-Skin careFacial-Baby care product-detoxifies the body-Healthy digestion-Reduce inflammatory-As a collagen-Dental health-Regulate weight-Vitamin-Asthma-reduce cholestrol-Cure alcer-SupplementTo boast energy levels.ExternalInternal -colour- green to grey green-root- strong fibrous -leaves- thick and fleshy- stem- short and stemless-White flecks on stem surface-Have flower one in yearsNutrient contentwater,mineral,vitamin and enzymeHabitat-hot and dry conditionScientific name-LiliaceaeCommon nameAloe VeraSize60-100 cmAloe veraBACKGROUND

Preserved Introduction

Lifespan-mature4-5 years

Features Uses

Nutrition Medicine Juices Personal Care Phytochemical

5.0: ESSAY ON HOW TO TEACH STUDENTS ABOUT ALOE VERA AND ITS PRESERVATION

5.1: Method 1Among students

There are a few activities that can we conducted in order to teach students about aloe vera and its preservation. For the first part, teacher introduce students about the background of aloe vera included it scientific name, common name, habitat, lifespan, nutrient contain inside the aloe vera and others that related to the aloe vera.This can be held in the class. Teacher also can show to students the video that related to aloe vera so that student can more understand about the background of aloe vera. Besides, teacher also can contribute the handout about the background of aloe vera to students. In additions, student also can used the handout given to support their note in the note book. After students have learned about the background of aloe vera, teacher can bring their student to the school garden to observe the features and physical characteristics of aloe vera. Teacher can show the real aloe vera to student and students can take this golden opportunity to see the aloe vera in closer look especially to the students who are never see the aloe vera before. Teacher also have prepare a task to students to list out the features of aloe vera based on their observation. From this activity, students can enjoy learn the physical characteristics of the aloe vera. After student have finished their task, teacher formed the students in a few group to continue to next activity. This activity are asked students to take the sample of aloe vera for each group. This sample can be used for the preservation and also to study the uses of aloe vera. After each group have get their sample, the students are ask to bring the sample to the laboratory to continue to next activity.At this step, teacher will show on how to preserve the aloe vera by using hand on experiment. In the class, teacher have to teach students by using hands on preservation.By using hands on activity, students can do it well not just memorising its step, but they also can understanding the step.So, it can help him to understand well about the ways of preservation of this plants.Moreover, for the wet perserved , the step is too simple for them to understand well and keep in their memory for a long time.It just need water,ehanol, glass bottle and plant.We just need to mix the ethanol and water in the glass bottles and put the plants into the bottle.Hence this step can be applying in the class Biology for students to preserved this plants so that they can study the plants well.Teacher can also said that students can apply this preservation not only at the plants buat also on the extict animals or insect. Another method we can use in ways to teach students about aloe vera and its preservation is by using song.Create some song about the aloe vera. Make it nice and interesting. And allow the students to sing together in the class. After that, teacher can prepare the thing to preserve in class. Teacher have to prepare that at the side of the class. Teacher gave them an handout about the picture of steps for preservation. Ask student to understand the picture and use that to applying for hands on experiment.Beside using the picture for the steps, teacher can provide them the video about the preservation that create by herself. By using this method, it can be kind of interesting active learning in order to teach students about the preservation. After finished the activity on the preservation of aloe vera. The lesson is continue to the uses of aloe vera. From the sample of aloe vera that take from the garden just now, the sample can be use to teach the student on the uses of aloe vera. Teacher can conduct some demonstration on examples of uses of aloe vera. For example teacher can show how to make aloe vera juice, hair gel, dessert and other. Besides, teacher also can show how to take out aloe vera gel from the leaves and use the fresh aloe vera to clear acne and other topical treatments. For better approach, teacher can give an opportunity to students to make their product and try by their own. Before the class ended, teacher can ask students to do the mind map based on their understanding in the lesson in the class. By using this method, teacher can know their level of understanding aside from evaluate them. If they did not know something or cannot catch up something in the lesson, teacher have to recall back the part that they did not understanding. This method can help students to gain their understanding about the lesson of plants and its preservation more deeply.To teach more detail about the uses of aloe vera, teacher can deal with schools administration to ask their permission to bring the student to the supermarket. Before start the activity, teacher should remind the student about the safety and the rules throughout activity in supermarket. Students will divide into group and will given a task that ask student to list the product that contain the abstract of aloe vera as many as possible. Teacher should provide the time for student to complete the task. For more effective, student are allow to take the picture of products. From their lists of product that obtained, students are asked to present their task in front of class in the next class. So from this activity, student will learn about the aloe vera in interactive and fun learning.Besides that, teacher also can use another ways to teach about the preservation of the plants of aloe vera by using visit. Teacher can use the visit to any part of the place that do the preservations .For example at the university. Besides they can look the ways of preservations made by expert one in the university, by visiting on the universities, they can sense to study hard to get into university. On the visit at university, they can learn more detail about preservation and sample that university have been perserved. For example monkey, barnacle, se anaemone and so on. So, teacher can ask students to collect data and make some research on the preservation in the university. On the other hand, science center or exhibition for students to learn more details about the preservation.On the science center, teacher can prepare one booth for showing the steps for preservation and another booth for exhibition the sample of plants that they already preserved.On the booth, teacher not spoon feed them, but teacher have to guide them to do the technique correctly. By using this method, students not just can learn but they can gain some experience to do the preservation of aloe vera and another kind of plants and animals by using their own hands.

5.2: Method 2Among community

To teach students about the aloe vera, teacher can also do a science fair in the school area. Teacher can introduce the aloe vera by having a booth of the herbs plants. Teacher thinks an appropriate time to do the events. Teacher can also invite the others people outside school. For example invite parents, teacher and students fron others school to attend the science fair.The pamphlet about the herbs plant which is aloe vera is distributed to all guess consist of students, teachers ands parents. In the pamphlets, the introduction about the aloe vera is introduce. The important feature about the aloe vera is also describe in the pamphlets to give early understanding about the features that belong to aloe vera. Other than that, the benefits of the aloe vera to our health is stated in the pamphlets. For example aloe vera can heal wound and cuts. Besides, in the pamphlets given also describe on how to preserve the aloe vera to make sure that the next generation can know what is aloe vera.In addition during the science fair, teacher can show about the real aloe vera plants to students, teachers and parents. Teacher can also show about the cross section of the aloe vera leaves that contain a gel inside to others. Other than that, teacher also can show how to apply the aloe vera gel to the wound by cutting the leaves and then put the aloe gel immediately to the wound. Furthermore, teacher can show the products that are made up from aloe vera. For example, shower cream, shampoo, facial cleanser,vitamin, juices and cleaning agent and at the same time teacher can sell the products. During the science fair, teacher also can show or demostrate on how to make the dessert from the aloe vera and invite the guess to try the dessert. The example dessert that can be prepare using aloe vera is jelly, and pudding. Last but not least, during the science fair, teacher show on how to preserve the aloe vera. Teacher describe the solution and material needed to preserve the aloe vera. Other than that, teacher show step by step on how to preserve aloe vera. To make it is more interesting, teacher can prepare the video on how to preserve aloe vera and show the video to the students, teachers and parents. The sample of aloe vera that already preserve is show to others during the science fair. At this time, students can know the conditions of the aloe vera when it is preserve. Last but not least, the science fair conducted can help teacher to teach and introduce the herbs plant that is aloe vera among the students and others.From my opinion, one of the idea on how to teach the community about an Aloevera species and its preservation is by using the modern technology which is network connection such as internet specifically by using the blog or facebook. This is because, nowadays, our community is always exposing to the network such as FB, twitter, blogger and others. This is one of the best medium to transfer the knowledge to them. First, to create the blog, we need to work in a team. Some of them doing a research about an Aloevera species and how to preserve it, and the rest of them transfer the information by writing a blog. The blog must provide full information about the Aloevera species. The information must be updated time by time. The blog also must be added with some attractive elements so that it can attract any level of community to read it. In the same time, it also provide full and clear of related information about the aloevera species. Examples of attractive elements are wonderful and beautiful pictures of Aloevera species, or the clear videos of how to preserve it, add many gadgets so that our blog will become a flexible and interesting blog. To promote our blog, we can use the other network connection such Facebook and e-mail. By promoting the blog in the Facebook which is the famous center of communication in the world, we can interact many kind of people around the world to read our blog and the most important is they give a feedback or comments which show that they read our blog, get the information about an Aloevera species and try to preserve it also if they want to make a research about this species. So, lets create the blog and share information about the Aloevera species. Thats all.

6.0 : APPENDIXES

Sample Aloe Vera

Materials needed for Preservation:

310 ml of Water910 ml Ethanol

Aloe Vera plantGlass ContainerAloe Vera Preservation:

After 4 weeksDay 1

7.0 : REFERENCES

1. http://gempakz.org/showthread.php?tid=5292. http://thesecretmedicines.blogspot.com/2008/10/khasiat-lidah-buaya-herba-terbaik.html3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera4. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070516212003AABWGPb5. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/special-features/2010/10/27/finding-the-best-aloe-vera-products-65233-27552036/6. http://www.acss.ws/Upload/XML/Research/357.pdf7. http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/pow/aloe_vera.htm

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