Let’s Play with Plants

Description

This video shows one example of how students can have fun with plants by taking advantage of a plant's strategy for getting its seeds to hitch a ride on animals for dispersal.

Image_List

Lesson

Printable Materials

Let's Play With Plants (PDF) Lesson Plan

Discussion

1. Why is the plant in the video called a 'foxtail' grass?

2. What is the importance of the 'one-way' hairs on a foxtail?

3. How does the ability to move through an animal's fur help the parent plant?

4. Why should you avoid playing with foxtails that have turned any color except green?

5. Why should you keep foxtails away from your pets?

Standard

2-LS2-2 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Students who demonstrate understanding can: Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.

Disciplinary Core ideas LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

Plants depend on animals for pollination or to move their seeds around.

Crosscutting Concepts: Structure and Function

The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s).

Science and Engineering Practices: Developing and Using Models

Modeling in K-2 builds on prior experiences and progresses to include using and developing models (i.e., diagram, drawing, physical replica, diorama, dramatization, or storyboard) that represent concrete events or design solutions. Develop a simple model based on evidence to represent a proposed object or tool.