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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Flying Helicopter Seeds

    Flying Helicopter Seeds

    October 9, 2021 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    Helicopter seeds are a type of seed that spin as they fall from a tree. The spinning movement and the fact that they are light and can catch the wind allows them to travel further from the parent tree than if they just dropped to the floor.

    This is one method of seed dispersal used by plants and trees to reduce the amount of competition around the parent plant for light, water and nutrients.

    I have lots more science experiments for autumn you might like and some autumn STEM challenges too!

    Which trees have helicopter seeds?

    Ash – one wing, these hang in bunches from the tree.

    Helicopter seeds on an Ash tree

    Norway Maple

    Norway maple seeds

    Sycamore – symmetrical wings in a V shape

    Sycamore seed on a tree

    Make your own seed helicopter

    You’ll recognise these as simple paper spinners, but they work really well for demonstrating this kind of seed dispersal.

    Sycamore seeds hanging on a tree

    You’ll need

    Paper

    Paper clip or hair clip

    Scissors

    How to make a helicopter spinner

    Cut out a rectangle from paper like the image below using scissors. Any size works well.

    Cut down the dotted lines and attach the two ends together with a paper clip.

    Template for a paper spinner to demonstrate seed dispersal

    Hold the spinner as high as you can and drop.

    Watch as the helicopter spins to the ground just like a seed.

    Investigation ideas

    Try dropping different size helicopters from the same point and height and measure how far they travel from the drop point.

    Drop the helicopters inside and outside, does the wind make difference?

    Add extra weight to the helicopter and try the investigation again.

    Do smaller helicopters spin faster than large helicopters?

    Print the experiment instructions

    Instructions for a seed dispersal activity

    Investigation sheet

    seed helicopter write up sheet

    If you need a bit of help identifying different trees, try this Tree Identification app from The Woodland Trust.

    Another idea is to make a sticky seed pod!

    seed helicopter science activity - great autumn science for kids and perfect for learning about seed dispersal.

    Last Updated on November 15, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

    « DIY Water Wheel
    Sticky Seeds – a seed dispersal investigation »

    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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