Once fertilisation has taken place, the plant will produce seeds.
They will often use the wind to transport these seeds.
And one of the best at this is the dandelion.
Each of the dandelion's seeds comes with its own individual parachute.
This device works so well that a slight wind will carry the seeds high into the sky.
There are so many adult plants here that there is no room for the next generation of plants to grow, so the dandelions need the wind to take their seeds miles away.
New plants are formed and the whole process begins again.
Video summary
A look at the life cycle of a dandelion including wind-aided seed dispersal.
This short film comes from the 鶹Լ series, KS1 Science Clips.
Teacher Notes
- This clip could be used as an introduction to the life cycle of a plant.
- Pupils could identify the main stages of the dandelion's cycle from the clip, then draw or order pictures to show its cyclical nature.
- An extension or follow-up activity could be to identify other plants that disperse their seeds using the wind.
- Pupils could undertake an autumn nature walk to find examples and discuss how the seeds are spread to different locations and which parent plant they belong to.
This short film is relevant for teaching Science at KS1 in England and Wales, Foundation and KS1 in Northern Ireland and Early and 1st level in Scotland.
Plants are living things. video
A visit to Kew Gardens to look for evidence that plants are living things. Find out how plants grow, eat, move and reproduce.
What do plants need to grow? video
An animation showing the conditions a plant needs for growth.
The life cycle of a plant. video
An animation illustrating the different stages in plant development.
The life cycle and inhabitants of an oak tree. video
Watch the oak tree change through the seasons. Acorns falling from the oak tree are often eaten by squirrels or buried to eat over the winter.
