This engaging Grade 4-5 science passage explains how seeds travel to new places, covering the processes of seed dispersal by wind, water, and animals. Students will learn key science vocabulary, discover real-world examples like dandelions and coconuts, and explore the importance of seed movement for plant survival. The resource includes a glossary of important terms, a Spanish translation of the passage, a multiple-choice quiz, and writing prompts that encourage students to make connections between science and their daily lives. This passage aligns with NGSS standards and is designed for effective classroom use. Audio integration supports diverse learners, making science accessible and engaging for all students.
Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks
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"A delicate seedling sprouting from the soil symbolizes growth and new beginnings." by Gelgas Airlangga / Pexels.
Plants make seeds that grow into new plants. These seeds need to move away from the parent plant to find their own space, water, and sunlight. The way seeds move from one place to another is called seed dispersal. Seed dispersal helps plants spread to new areas where they have a better chance to grow.
Many seeds travel by wind. Dandelion seeds have tiny parachutes made of soft, white fluff that catch the wind and float through the air. Maple seeds have wings that spin like helicopter blades as they fall, carrying them far from the tree.
Some seeds hitch rides on animals. Burrs are seeds with tiny hooks that grab onto animal fur or people's clothing. The seeds fall off later in a new location. Other seeds are inside tasty fruits that animals eat. The seeds pass through the animal's body and come out in a different place, ready to grow.
Water carries some seeds to new homes. Coconuts can float on ocean waves for many miles before washing up on a beach. Some seed pods burst open when they dry out, shooting seeds in all directions like tiny cannons.
Interesting Fact: The squirting cucumber shoots its seeds up to 20 feet away at speeds of 60 miles per hour when the fruit explodes!
What is seed dispersal?
How seeds grow into plantsHow seeds move to new placesHow plants make seedsHow animals eat seeds
What helps dandelion seeds float in air?
Tiny wings that spinHooks that grab furWhite fluffy parachutesHard outer shells
How do burrs travel to new places?
They float on waterThey stick to animal furThey spin through the airThey explode from pods
Why do seeds need to move away?
To hide from animalsTo find their own space and sunlightTo stay close to parent plantTo grow faster than other seeds
What happens when animals eat fruits with seeds?
The seeds are destroyed completelyThe seeds grow inside the animalThe seeds pass through and come outThe seeds stick to the fur
Maple seeds spin like helicopter blades.
TrueFalse
Which seed can float on ocean waves?
Dandelion seedsMaple seedsCoconutsBurrs
What does dispersal mean in this passage?
Growing into a new plantSpreading to different placesSticking to animal furFloating on water
Who it's for
Perfect for the way you teach
Teachers
Build comprehension skills
Auto-graded quiz
Differentiated reading
Parents
Read together at home
Improve fluency
Quiet reading time
Homeschoolers
Reading curriculum support
Independent practice
Track Lexile growth
Topics
seedsdispersalwindwateranimalsplant life cyclescienceNGSSgrade 4grade 5
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