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Pine Pollination

Students will learn about pine trees including how they are pollinated and how their seeds are dispersed through the use of pine cones. They will also make their very own pine cone bird feeders.
 

Duration
Less than 1 hour
Lesson Type
Traditional Lesson

Lesson Created By: Savannah River Ecology Lab

Essential Question

How are pine trees pollinated? How are thier seeds dispersed after pollination occurs?

Grade(s):

  • 1

Subject(s):

Recommended Technology:

Other Instructional Materials or Notes:

  • Pine cones (1 per student)
  • Bird seed
  • String
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Peanut butter (if any students have a peanut allergy, use other nut butters)
  • Aprons
  • Scissors
  • Bowls

Lesson Progression

Pre-Activity

  • Pass out the Pine Pollination worksheet. Talk to students about pine trees. Ask them about where pine trees are found if they stay green all year, and how they might pollinate. They should record the correct answers on the worksheet provided.
  • Talk through how pine trees use the wind to pollinate. Remind them of the yellow-green pollen we see during the spring, much of that comes from trees.
  • Ask students if they know where the seeds are located in pine trees. They should be able to guess pine cones.
  • Talk about how pine cones are used to hold and disperse seeds so that new pine trees will grow. Go through the life cycle of a pine tree: pine cone, seedling, sapling, adult tree.

Making Pine cone bird feeders

  • Pass out pine cones and popsicle sticks so that each student has one. Additionally, place bowls of peanut butter and birdseed at each table.
  • Instruct students to apply peanut butter to pine cones with the popsicle sticks.
  • Have students roll their prepared pine cone into the birdseed. The seeds should coat the peanut butter completely.
  • Tie string around the top of the pine cone to hang them from trees!

Pine Pollination Worksheet

Student worksheet to follow along with lesson plan. They will write down information about pine trees including how they are pollinated, where their seeds are found, and the life cycle of the trees.

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