Tuesday, August 2, 2011

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.

22 comments:

  1. Adding science next year and this will be great to use...we spend a bit of time on this!

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  2. Is there any chance we could get a pdf of these?

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  3. Would you be willing to share this file?
    Thanks
    Hailey.Hastings@fortbendisd.com

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  4. I would love to know what it says with each tab. Are you willing to share? Laura

    mcginnisl@riverview.wednet.edu

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  5. Hi, I love your work! I am a first time teacher of science. Would you be willing to share your plant files?
    If so, email is luvya@rogers.com
    Thanks!

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  6. I would love a pdf of this as well. Would you be willing to share?

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  7. Hi, I love your work! Would you be willing to share your plant files?
    If so, email is jgallagher@quakerschool.org

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  8. would you be able to share your plant files with me? I would love to see what are on the rest of your pages in the booklet for how seeds are dispersed. ambers0217@gmail.com

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  9. Hi, I love all of your teaching pieces on plants. Would you be willing to share your plant files? If so, my email is cpierce@aurora.edu

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  10. are you willing to share these files? Enaraghi@gmail

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  11. Are you able to share this file? kbenner@ms.k12.il.us

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  12. HI, your work is amazing!! Are you willing to share the pdf with me? Sonceria.radford@niahousemontessori.com

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  13. I would love to see the complete file of this if you are willing to share to be able to adapt it for lower grades. heusingerma@asf.edu.mx

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  14. Can I please get all of your plant stuff emailed to jennifer.borders@gmail.com ? Thank you so much! I love the whole thing!

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  15. Are you able to share? srobin44@cox.net

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  16. All in your blog is amazing!!! I would love to use these ideas with my students!! If you are willing to share I would really apreciate it. Thank you very much!!zaira_bh91@hotmail.com

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  17. Well, it's worth a try:-) I'm new to the plant unit and have very few resources and yours look FANTASTIC. Would you be willing to share the PDF for them with me? Thank-you so much from my students and from ME! Heidi

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  18. Thank you for sharing. Would you be willing to share your pdf file.
    susan.bivens@d428.org

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  19. This is a wonderful idea! I would love to see what you have under each tab. Would you be willing to share the PDF?
    mnorcross@soundview.org

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  20. would you please share your work , this looks very interesting .My mail id is rekhamital02@gmail.com

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  21. Will you be able to please share your plant files as a pdf? thank you. My id is bgyasi113@gmail.com

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  22. This work is fantastic! I am in a credential program now and trying to adapt this lesson for my second grade class. I noticed everyone asking, would you be willing to share your PDF files on this? Regardless, thank you for sharing!
    spainbound515@gmail.com

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