Seed Dispersal Challenge

Today is the big day!  Students get to see how well they've designed their seed dispersal mechanisms when we release them from the walking track in the gym. We've begun to study seed structure and how seeds get released and find favorable conditions to grow.  One of those ways is wind dispersal.  The following is the direction sheet and analysis sheet.  Good luck and have fun.

THE CHALLENGE:
Your challenge is to design a wind dispersed seed structure that will carry a single seed the farthest distance possible.
CONSTRAINTS:
You will be given one sheet of white 8 ½ by 11 paper, a pair of scissors (optional), tape, and one seed.  You may not use more than one sheet of paper but you do not have to use all the paper.  You may cut, fold, tear and/or tape your paper in any manner you choose provided your seed is fixed to the seed structure and does not fall out.  After you have completed the design and assembly of you seed structure, it will be dropped from the walking track in the gym, and the distance it travels will be recorded.  Each seed/seed structure will be dropped only once.
MATERIALS:

• (1) 8 ½ x 11 paper
• Tape (6 inches in length)
• Scissors (optional)
• (1) Dried Lima Bean

TEST:  Record your trials.  

Trial (name the design type)	Distance traveled (estimate)
#1

ANALYSIS: What design worked the best in the challenge?  What design did you use?  How would you do things differently next time?
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