Print or Project

1. A Visual Overview: Show the slideshow of photos to your class. Each has a descriptive caption and kid-friendly copy for your students to read. (Please note that there is also more extensive teacher note copy just for you.)
2. Creative Caption Review: Once you've been through the slideshow for an overview, go back through it again. This time ask students to explain why the captions do (or do not!) work. (Example: Is the "Hitching a Ride" caption a good one to describe the fruit of the Common burdock plant? Why or why not?)

Click the thumbnail slides below to see the captions and kid-friendly copy up close.

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3. Continue the Conversation: Ask students if they have ever blown on dandelion seeds to spread them in the wind. Did the fruits separate from the plant easily? Have they ever heard of the tradition of making a wish before the blow? Probe to see if students can think of any other plant seeds that travel in the wind. Be sure to talk about the shape of "helicopter" maple seeds.
4. Write about it: Tell students to list three plants on a sheet of paper: the dandelion, lotus, and rose plants. Then ask them to write a brief description about what is special about the shape of the fruit and seed of each plant that helps the seeds get spread. You might want to discuss the idea of cause and effect. For example, the columbine seeds are lightweight, so it's easy for the wind to shake them loose from their seed heads.