Plant ecology is an important subject that often receives little attention in middle school, as more time during science classes is devoted to plant biology. Therefore, the authors have developed a series of activities, including a card game--Designing the Perfect Plant--to introduce student's to plant ecology and the ecological trade offs associated with different types of plants and plant attributes. The activities also introduce students to general ecological concepts such as biodiversity, environmental disturbance, habitat, competition, and predation. (Contains 3 figures.)