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"To
the extent that the world surrenders its richness and diversity, it surrenders
its poetry... as its options diminish, so do its chances for the future." |
Seeds in Fall...Collect Them All! Seeds
in Fall...Collect Them All! is actually five activities in
one inquiry. In How Many Different Kinds of Tree Seeds Can You
Find at Your School?, students are introduced to the term
biodiversity while they collect seeds around their school.
In How Many Different Kinds of Tree Seeds Can You Find in Your
Community?, students collect tree seeds around their homes
over a one-week period. In What Kind of Seed Is It?, students
identify collected seeds using selected books and/or online resources.
A class survey of seed varieties is used to reinforce the concept
of biodiversity. In What Is Dichotomous Sorting?, students
silently sort themselves into groups by attributes as an introduction
to dichotomous keying. In How Can You Use Dichotomous
Sorting to Classify Seeds?, student apply their knowledge
of attributes and dichotomous keying using the seeds they've
collected and identified. The Family Page extends this learning to
the community by inviting parents to facilitate home seed collecting
and dichotomous keying.
Note: This inquiry is designed to be completed in September or October. This inquiry is dedicated to Mrs. Sowers who, in 1955, planted the seeds of inquiry, discovery, and excitement in her pupil Donny with her fall seed collecting assignment. Little did she know that Donny would extend his love of science into a fruitful (excuse the pun) career that would span 35+ years of teaching. |
