Discuss how people of past cultures may have found relief from some of the same types of illnesses and discomforts we still have today.  Explain that on the visit, students are to chart plants along the trails.  Many are marked with the name of the plant.

Upon returning discuss types of plants found.  Explain and assign research on the medicinal properties of the plants found at Effigy Mounds.  Discuss the students' findings and compare them to today's methods.  Caution them not to try self-medicating themselves when ill.

Example chart:  (The "uses" column would be filled in after the field trip and researching the plants located.)