The World Around Us Program
Exploring how native flowers shape and sustain the regional ecosystems of the United States
What is the World Around Us Program?
The World Around Us is a hands-on environmental science and botany initiative from Sigma Unlimited, designed to spark scientific curiosity and ecological awareness in students of all ages. This immersive program takes learners on a guided exploration of the plant life native to the diverse regions of the United States, revealing how each flower, leaf, and root plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of our planet’s ecosystems.
At the heart of the program is the U.S. Flower Map, a rich educational tool that helps students visualize and study regional biodiversity by identifying three unique flowering plants from each significant area of the country. Through this geographic and biological lens, participants learn how plants adapt to their environments, contribute to local food webs, and play a crucial role in regulating climate and soil health.
Understanding key scientific concepts such as photosynthesis, pollination, plant physiology, climate interaction, and ecosystem connectivity that are woven into real-world research challenges.
Discover America’s Native Plants & Ecosystems—One Region at a Time
Discover the science of nature through America’s wildest plants.
🌳 Southeast (Gulf Coast / Appalachian Foothills)
Wetlands, Biodiversity, and Subtropical Growth
The Southeast is home to a rich biodiversity, featuring bald cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and flowering dogwoods. Students investigate how warm climates and seasonal flooding influence the shape of ecosystems and the behavior of plants. Key lessons include wetland ecology, nutrient cycling, and the role of native plants in supporting both land and aquatic life.
🌲 Northwest (Pacific Northwest / Northern Rockies)
Lush Forests, Rainfall, and Resilient Flora
The Northwest's dense forests, rich soil, and abundant rainfall support towering conifers and a diverse array of plant life, including Douglas fir and Pacific trillium. Students will explore how water cycles, temperature, and forest layers influence plant growth, learning key ecological concepts such as photosynthesis, forest succession, and carbon storage.
🌾 Southwest – Desert, Heat, and Adaptation
Adaptation, Survival, and Desert Ecology
The Southwest’s arid climate and intense sun challenge plants to adapt for survival. Students explore species like the saguaro cactus and desert marigold to learn about water storage, sunlight reflection, and pollination in extreme environments.
🌼 Northeast (New England / Great Lakes Region)
Seasonal Change, Native Wildflowers, and Ecosystem Dynamics
In the Northeast, the changing seasons govern the timing of plant life cycles. Students study species like goldenrods, milkweed, and maple trees to understand how plants grow, reproduce, and store energy. This region offers key lessons in phenology, habitat fragmentation, and the impact of climate change on native flora.
Discover a carefully crafted collection of SIGMA Unlimited blossoming flowers inspired by unique shapes and patterns. Each flower reflects a thoughtful, sustainable design featuring life craftsmanship and designs created with advanced 3D printing technology. SIGMA Unlimited blooming flowers embody eco-friendly innovation and are made exclusively from natural, plant-based materials. Explore the world of SIGMA Unlimited, where our mission is to make exceptional design accessible to all.
