Materials Required:
Balloon
Small seeds (e.g., poppy seeds or similar small seeds)
Scissors
Tape or glue
Paper or plastic for catching seeds
Steps Involved:
Inflate a balloon slightly and tie it off to form a small, rounded shape.
Carefully cut a small slit or hole in the balloon.
Tape or glue small seeds around the cut area of the balloon.
Hold the balloon over a sheet of paper or plastic to catch any seeds.
Pop the balloon with a pin or sharp object to simulate the “explosion” of the seed pod.
Observe how the seeds are dispersed and scatter around.
Discuss with students how this experiment represents how real seed pods work to spread seeds and help plants reproduce.