Many have played with seed helicopters at one time or another. Learners use paper to create their own helicopters to model the Linden seed. After a discussion of seed dispersal, they take their models outside, let them go, and make observations about how they travel and what that means to the species.

Concepts

wind, wind energy, seed dispersal

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Bring in seeds of different shapes and sizes to make comparisons and decisions about seed dispersal of the different types
• Measure the distance each model seed travels and graph results

Classroom Considerations

• Expects an understanding of seed dispersal and its importance

Pros

• Provides important background information
• Includes ideas for assessment

Cons

• None