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Seeds In Motion

Activity

Designing a Seed Pod Based on Natural Dispersal Methods

Find two to four plants that use different seed dispersal techniques, then design a seed pod of your own using one of these techniques. What materials will you use?

Science Seed

There are 6 main ways of seed dispersal: (1) being tasty – many seeds are adapted to being consumed by animals and then are carried to a new location in the animal’s droppings (2) clinging – some seeds are adapted to cling to the fur of animals to be carried to new locations to drop off and plant themselves (3) parachutes – some seeds, such as dandelions, float through the air carried by the wind, as though they have a parachute, to get to a new location to plant themselves. (4) helicopters – some seeds, such as maple, have a central seed with wing-like structures coming off the center that cause the seed to float and spin as it falls (5) floating – many seeds, like coconuts, are carried by the ocean or rivers, and some even require water to germinate ; (6) exploding – ballistic seeds pop open to release seeds into the air.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

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join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

This project was made possible by HEB.