HOW DO SEEDS TRAVEL?

NGSS STANDARDS

• 2-LS2-2.A Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics
• Plants depend on animals for pollination or to move their seeds around.
• 2-PS1-2 Matter and Its Interactions
• Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine
• Which materials have the properties best suited for an intended purpose.

FOCUSING QUESTION: HOW DO SEEDS TRAVEL?

LESSON ONE

• Students are asked do seeds travel? Students turn and talk to a neighbor.
• Predictions are made in STEM notebook.
• Students watch "Seed Dispersal" on Youtube as a group.
• Ask students how do seeds travel? Take comments and add to board.
• Students pair off and add this information to their notebooks.

LESSON TWO

• Students reread their notes about how seeds travel in their notebooks.
• Pairs of students are given a "secret" seed.
• Pairs make observations and scientific drawings of their seed.
• Based on observations students decide how their seed moves.

LESSON THREE

• Students share observations and thoughts about how their seed moves.
• Students are encouraged to ask questions or build on comments.
• Students answer, "How do you think your seed moves?" in their notebook.
• Students must back up their claims with evidence from their observations.
• Evidence can be added from movie as well.

LESSON FOUR

• Group discussion.
• Why are animals important in seed dispersal?
• Why is it important for seeds to travel?
• Introduce seed design challenge.

SEED ENGINEERING DESIGN CHALLENGE:

SEED DESIGN CHALLENGE

• Students test a variety of materials for their ability to float on "wind".
• Students measure and keep data on how long and far each material floats.
• Students are challenged to design a seed that travels the farthest by wind.
• Criteria: Designs must resemble seeds (seed with material around it).
• Constraints: Only use one material and only have one class to complete.

SEED DESIGN

• Students test "seeds" and keep data using Ubersense and measurements.
• Students redesign and improve.
• Pair whose "seed" travels the farthest by wind is winner.