How Do Seeds Get Dispersed?

First, I should give a “heads-up.” This is not a one-class period lesson. There is going to be a lot of drawing, discussion, and writing. Plan on at least 2-3 class periods for students to complete this mini-book.

Here, students will create a book where each page presents a different way in which seeds get moved from one location to another. Yes, my class uses the term “dispersal.” It is an advanced word for them, but in my experience, they assess more importance to academic language than the common words they use. So using the term ‘dispersal’ instead of saying ‘moved around’ creates for them a greater sense of importance to the process.

You will need 5 sheets of paper to build this book. Cut the papers in half width-wise. Along the top edge of the half sheets, measure in 1 inch x 1 inch and remove (cut) that square inch off. On the next page, remove a 2 inch x 1 inch section. On the third page remove a 3 inch x 1 inch section. Continue increasing the size of the section this way until your cover page, where you will remove the entire top down 1 inch. (Refer to the photos to see how this looks when done.) Assemble book by punching three holes along the left-hand side and using brads. Create a cover page with the title “How do Seeds get Dispersed?” Label each tab with a type of seed dispersal. On the page of each tab, draw an example and explain how that form of dispersal works. My class often gets into deep discussion about each method, and in the case of the barbs, hooks, and burrs, I bring in examples for the students to examine.

Once ready, students can use the booklet to study and self-test.