Dandelion Magic
In this lesson, young children will learn about STEM concepts such as velocity, speed and wind as they blow on dandelion puffs to disperse the seeds.
Learning Goals:
This lesson will help children meet the following educational standards:
- Demonstrate curiosity about the world and begin to use the practices of science and engineering to answer questions and solve problems
- Explore concepts and information about the physical, earth and life sciences
- Understand important concepts and connections in science and engineering
Learning Targets:
After this lesson, children should be more proficient at:
- Developing foundational skills in the use of scientific practices such as observing, asking questions, solving problems, and drawing conclusions
- Expressing wonder and curiosity about their world by asking questions and solving problems
- Planning and carrying out simple investigations
- Exploring the effect of force on objects
- Generating explanations and communicating ideas and/or conclusions about their investigations
Step 1: Gather materials.
- A field full of dandelions with seedheads
Step 2: Introduce activity.
- Ask the children if they have ever blown the seeds off of a dandelion head. Ask them to share their experiences with the group.
- After the children have shared, say: "We are going on a walk to find a field of dandelions for an engineering experiment.
- Take a walk to the dandelion field.
- Turn your students loose in the field and let the investigations begin!
- Encourage the children to try many different ideas and techniques.
Step 3: Engage children in lesson activities.
- Instruct the children to blow on the dandelion seedheads and see who can blow the farthest.
- Ask: "What happens if you hold the dandelion close to your lips or farther away from your lips?"
- Experiment with blowing fast and slow and observe what changes.
Step 4: Engineering vocabulary
- Dandelion: A plant with bright yellow blossoms that mature into round, fluffy seedheads
- Flower: The part of a plant that blossoms and produces seeds that can become new plants
- Seed: The small part of a flowering plant that grows into a new plant
- Stem: The main stalk of a plant that develops buds and shoots and usually grows above the ground
Step 5: Extensions
- This Design a Seed Engineering Challenge is suitable for elementary schoolers but it can also help foster an understanding of seed characteristics in early learners.
Suggested Books
- Dandelion Magic by Darren Farrell
- Little Dandelion Seeds the World by Julia Richardson
- The Dandelion Seed by Joseph P. Anthony
- The Dandelion Seed's Big Dream by Joseph P. Anthony
- Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner
- Vivi Loves Science: Wind and Water by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes
Music and Movement
Outdoor Connections
Web Resources
- View a time-lapse video of the life cycle of a dandelion.
- View an animation of the life cycle of a dandelion.
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