Background

Seeds are dispersed in a number of ways. These include via the wind, bursting from a pod, eaten by animals, floating on water or getting caught on the fur or feathers of an animal. The structure of the seed determines how it is dispersed.

Prior Knowledge

No prior knowledge necessary. This can be a pre-visit, post-visit or a stand-alone activity.

Key Learning Question

Does the structure of a seed determine how it is dispersed?

Learning Intentions

In this program students will:

• Discover the function of the plant seed
• Understand why a plant requires its seed to be dispersed
• Learn how to use a magnifying glass and stereo microscopes
• Relate the method of seed dispersal to its structure

Activities

Students will:

• Observe a variety of different seeds using magnifying glasses and stereo microscopes
• Describe the main characters of the story Peter Pan
• Identify which seeds link with each character and why

Victorian Curriculum

Science - Biological sciences

• Different living things have different life cycles and depend on each other and the environment to survive (VCSSU058)

Learning Continuum

The following Learning Continuum is a guide for teachers to show the links between the programs Ecolinc offers onsite, online and through outreach. The Learning Continuum can be used to access Ecolinc resources to support the development of units of work.

Outreach programs are conducted by an Ecolinc education officer at your school. They are available to moderately disadvantaged primary schools in the Geelong, Ballarat and western suburbs areas (or within 100km radius from Bacchus Marsh).