This study aims to explore whether humans possess inborn preferences for certain floral traits, such as color, symmetry, or complexity. We will invite infants (6–9 months old) and their parents to our lab and show them various artificial flowering plants and flower-like objects. We will record whether infants touch the plants, which parts they touch, how long it takes them to do so, and where they look. From this behavior, we can infer which flower properties they prefer. By comparing their responses with those of children and adults, we aim to gain a fuller picture of the stability of flower preferences across age groups and their possible universality.

The study explores how young children (3–10 years) perceive and appreciate flowers. Across cultures and history, humans have found flowers beautiful, yet we still know little about which shapes and colors are most appealing, and why. Our previous research shows that adults from very different backgrounds often prefer similar types of flowers, suggesting that some preferences might be shared or even inborn.

In this study, children will look at artificial flowers or photographs of flowers and tell us how pretty or not pretty they find them. We will then compare their responses with data from similar studies conducted with infants and adults to see whether general preferences remain stable across age groups, or when and how they change. These insights could also help in designing more appealing and effective age-specific plant-based environments that promote relaxation and well-being.

Come find us on the weekends at Kids' World (Alameda) Park and the MOXI children's museum!

In this study, 3- to 10-year-old children explore pictures of plants on a tablet while listening to a brief description of its healing property. They are then shown two new plants and asked to choose which one they think shares that same property. Children's decisions about which plants share healing properties gives us insight into how young children learn about the natural world. Understanding their choices helps us see how kids notice patterns, build knowledge, and form early ideas about medicinal plants and their uses—one leaf at a time.

Come find us on the weekends at Kids' World (Alameda) Park and the MOXI children's museum!