Seed Dispersal
Activity - Outdoors
Grades3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8Science
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Green Schoolyards America
What it is
- This outdoor role-play game teaches students about seed dispersal, plant adaptations, and ecosystem interconnections, with scenario cards representing dispersal by animals, birds, wind, water, gravity, and humans.
- Students draw scenario cards and physically act out how a seed travels, encountering both successful landings and hazards such as landing on asphalt or in a parking lot.
- The activity includes a set of thirty cards, blank cards for student-created scenarios, and reflection prompts.
Teaching tips
Preparation:
- Print the card set on sturdy card stock ahead of time.
- Set clear outdoor boundaries before playing; for younger students, consider using cones or other markers.
Classroom Implementation:
- Sort the cards into wild dispersal, seed challenges, and human-mediated dispersal so you can focus a round on a specific concept.
- Pair the game with a schoolyard seed hunt so students can predict dispersal methods for real seeds and fruits they find.
Differentiation:
- Cards can be read aloud for younger or emerging readers and the whole class can act out the seed dispersal scenario.
- For older students, tie each card to a local plant that employs that dispersal strategy or have them choose a strategy and research what plant follows it.
From the scientist review
The game described in this resource teaches students about seed dispersal. Students will learn what seed dispersal is and how it helps plants spread and grow. The game includes both natural and human seed dispersal mechanisms. This helps students understand how humans and society affect the environment and climate. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
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