It was a bright, sunny day with a light breeze. We were taking a little ride on the gator, when the most amazing little ball of fuzz floated right before our eyes.
It’s a Seed!
And the start of an impromptu science lesson.
Another opportunity to respond with wonder and awe.
Addilyn captured it, and we all studied it a while before releasing it back to the wind. The tiny seed lifted gently from Addilyn’s fingertips, caught by the breeze like it had been waiting for just that moment. It twirled softly in the air, dancing its way into the sky.
Do you see it?
Look closely, and you will find it.
We watched as it floated across the sky, spinning slowly toward the open field where it would rest.
Ready to take root and begin again.
I think it was a milkweed seed.
Milkweed plants in all phases of life are scattered all around the farm.
The more I learn about Milkweed, the more I want to know! I hear Monarch Butterflies are partial to Milkweed.
Maybe one day, I will catch one in the process of launching seeds into the world.
More wonder and awe and fodder for future posts.
The Science Lesson of the Day
Seed dispersal is how plants and trees send their seeds to new places to grow into new plants and trees. Seeds disperse through wind, water, animals, or a plant’s unique mechanisms. This is an example of wind dispersal.
It didn’t take long for the kids to remember another wind dispersal method.
Dandelions!
Dandelions disperse their seeds through the wind, too.
Or through a child’s breath.
And in a instant, the memories came flooding back. When I was a little girl, I couldn’t pass a dandelion seed fluff. My own Pop told to make a wish.
Of course, he also told me I was spreading weeds, but I think deep down inside, he was glad to see new dandelions bloom.
A field of yellow dandelions brings smiles to our faces and is a great playground for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
So next time you see a seed float by or have an opportunity to scatter infant dandelions, take a moment to respond with wonder and awe.
Then, take a deep breath, and release a little whimsy to science. You’re never too old to make a wish and let the seeds carry it forward….
Leave a reply to share a story, picture, or wish.