You may have already seen our explosive seed pods and flying seed helicopters To learn about the different types of seed dispersal.
This activity teaches children about sticky seed pods. The challenge is to make a container for a seed that will (temporarily) stick to clothing.
One way plants disperse their seeds is by using an animal as a carrier. This type of seed usually has sticky hooks that can attach to an animal and carry away from the parent plant.
Humans are also good at dispersing seeds. Have you ever found a seed stuck to your clothes or eaten a fruit with a seed inside and thrown it away?
What plants have sticky seeds?
Burdock plants have sticky seeds that easily stick to animals' fur. They remind me of Velcro!
Design a sticky seed pod
The activity involves designing and making a sticky seed pod that will stick to clothing for a few minutes before falling off.
You will need to
Velcro
Double-sided tape
Paper
Small containers
Glue
Pompom or small seed
Instructions
Gather your materials and create a design for a sticky seed pod. You can print out the sheet below to help you.
Draw a design and then try to make the seed pod.
We made a very simple package by wrapping a pom pom in paper like a package and then placing double-sided tape on one side.
Test it to see if it sticks to your clothes.
Does it stay attached if you jump, run or stretch?
More challenges
Test your seed pod on different materials such as cotton, wool, paper, cardboard and aluminum foil.
What do you notice about the materials your capsule adheres to most easily?
Discover How dandelion seeds fly in the wind.
If you have trouble distinguishing trees, this Tree Identification Sheet From The Woodland Trust! It's super useful!
Last updated on September 20, 2023 by Emma Vanstone
