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Home » Key Stage 2 Science » Plants » Exploding Seeds – Create a seed explosion device

Exploding Seeds – Create a seed explosion device

Modified: Oct 8, 2024 · Published: Sep 30, 2021 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Once a plant has made seeds ( remember pollination and fertilisation? ) they need to be dispersed.

Seed dispersal is the scattering of seeds. If seeds just dropped next to the parent plant, they would be competing for nutrients and light, so it’s better if seeds are spread out, allowing them to grow with less competition from other plants.

There are several mechanisms of seed dispersal depending on the plant or tree the seed is from.

Seed Dispersal Mechanisms

Wind dispersal of seeds

Dandelions have parachutes to help them catch the wind.

a single dandelion parachute floating on the wind.
Dandelion Parachute

Sycamore seeds have wings to help them float.

Animal dispersal

Animals are very helpful when it comes to seed dispersal.

Seeds covered in tasty flesh are eaten by animals which poo the seeds out far from the parent plant.

Some trees have sticky seeds which attach to the fur of an animal and fall off as the animal moves around.

Trees such as oak and hazel trees take advantage of the hoarding nature of animals like squirrels. Not all the nuts are eaten; some are left behind to grow into new trees!

A squirrel with a hut

Water dispersal

Willow and alder trees often live near a source of water, they drop the seeds into the water which then float away.

Exploding seeds

Peas, lupins and violas spread their seeds by exploding them out of pods! This clever mechanism means the seeds shoot far from the parent plant and doesn’t rely on animals or other factors.

Seed Dispersal Activity Sheet

The sheet below can be printed and used for reference or could be cut up and used as a matching activity.

Image of seed dispersal mechanisms in plants and trees. Shows wind, animal and water seed dispersal

Make an exploding seed pod

Ballistic or explosive seed dispersal is perhaps the most fascinating of seed dispersal mechanisms. The explosive pressure is generated as the seed pods dry out.

A squirting cucumber is one example of a plant which uses this mechanism. Once the fruit of the squirting cucumber matures, it explosively ejects the seeds.

Image of a squirting cucumber
Squirting Cucumber

Make your own exploding seed pod

It’s not quite the same mechanism, but you can explode pretend seeds from a cup to demonstrate the process of how this mechanism shoots seeds away from the parent plant.

You’ll need

A paper cup with the bottom cut off.

A balloon with the end tied and the top removed.

Small pompoms

Paper cup and balloon as an exploding seeds device
Image taken from This IS Rocket Science

How to make an exploding seed pod

Attach the balloon to the bottom of the paper cup, like in the image above. If it slips off, try securing it with an elastic band.

Fill the cup with pompoms or other small light items, pull back the balloon end and release.

The pompoms should shoot out like exploding seeds.

Girl holding a DIY seed dispersal machine for learning about exploding seeds
Image taken from This IS Rocket Science

Experiment with holding the cup at different angles and using different amounts of pompoms.

How far can you make your seeds spread?

Can you design a different seed explosion device?

Exploding seed dispersal device instructions

More plant science activities

Dissect a flower ( lilies work well ) to learn about the different parts.

The Woodland Trust has lots of advice and tips for identifying different trees.

Royal Baloo has a great playdough seed activity.

Build your own sticky seed pod. This is great for learning about animal dispersal.

Make a 3D model of a flower.

This activity was also used for a Popping Planet investigation in This IS Rocket Science.

collage of a popper made with a paper cup and balloon as a seed dispersal machine

Last Updated on October 8, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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