Designer Seeds

In this activity, learners will examine a variety of seeds, describe them, and determine how they are dispersed. Learners will investigate seed dispersal mechanisms by creating and testing a wind dispersed seed that they have designed themselves. Learners will be limited to using a single piece of white paper, one lima bean to represent a seed, tape and scissors. Seeds will be tested by dropping them in front of a window fan and recording the distance they travel. Repeat trials will be conducted, averages calculated, and group data recorded. Learners will examine the features of successful seeds and redesign their seed to try to increase the distance it can be carried by wind. Results will be analyzed and comparisons made to natural phenomena. This lesson can be incorporated into a unit studying ecology, plants, seed dispersal, or evolution of plant traits. It addresses seed dispersal mechanisms as well as elements of experimental design.