Session Outline Method • You can use pine cones as part of a weather station to predict what the weather will be like. • Blue-tac pine cones on a windowsill or ledge outside, or create a pine cone garland, (See Invention

& Investigation: Pine Cone Garland). Record observations about the pine cones each day for two weeks, also noting down the weather. (Scroll down for the Pine Cone Observation Sheet)

• After two weeks of observations, note down any patterns and links between what the pine cones are doing and the weather conditions, (when the weather is dry the pinecones open up and when it’s going to rain they close).

• For the third week, firstly, look at the weather or weather forecast and then predict what the

pine cones are going to be doing before looking. Note down if your predictions were correct. The science behind it Pine cones open and close depending on the humidity to help seed dispersal. Inside the pine cone there are lots of feather-light seeds. When the weather is dry, the pine cone opens up and any wind will catch the seeds and allow them to be dispersed in the air far away from the original tree. When the humidity rises and rain is likely, then the pine cone closes up to prevent the seeds escaping, as being so light, the seeds will become water logged and they will travel only a short distance from the original source which would be shaded and have to fight the “parent” tree for nutrients. Differentiation HA - Can they spot patterns in the changes related to the weather? Can they describe weather in more detail? (e.g. using weather instruments- temperature, wind, humidity, rainfall.) LA- Help with describing the weather and recording on the charts. Extension Can you set up a weather station with pine cones and weather instruments? Can you write some handy tips to help others forecast or measure the weather?

Session Objectives Children will be observe changes in pine cones linked to weather. Resources Pine cones, Pine Cone Monitoring & Predicting Charts, Experiment sign (scroll down) Invention & Investigation: Pine Cone Garland Key Vocabulary Humidity, weather, wet, dry, forecast, seed. Risk Assessments

Generic Site RA

Curriculum Links

Science: (Y1) Observe changes across the four seasons; Observe and describe weather associated with the seasons and how day length varies; Identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees. (Y2) Find out and describe how plants need water, light and a suitable temperature to grow and stay healthy. (KS1 SE) Observing closely, using simple equipment; Gathering and recording data to help in answering questions. Geography: (KS1) Collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes; Identify seasonal and daily weather patterns in the United Kingdom; Use simple fieldwork and observational skills to study the geography of their school and its grounds and the key human and physical features of its surrounding

environment.

Learning Outcomes

LA - Children will observe how a pine cone

changes with the weather

MA - Children will know that a pine cone opens when it is dry weather and closed when it is

wet weather.

HA - Children understand that a pine cone opens up when it is dry weather as seeds may be dispersed. They also know that pines

cones close when rain is likely to prevent seeds from being washed

away.

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Pine ConesGEOGRAPHY

SCIENCEKS1

TOPICS

KS1SEASONAL CHANGES PLANTS THE WEATHER

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Pine Cone Monitoring Chart Week 1 & 2

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Pine Cone Observations

(week 1)

Weather (week 1)

Pine Cone Observations

(week 2)

Weather (week 2)

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Note down any patterns in observations linked to the weather here:

Name: Pine Cones

GEOGRAPHYSCIENCE

KS1

TOPICS

KS1SEASONAL CHANGES PLANTS THE WEATHER

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Pine Cone Predicting Chart Week 3

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Weather

Pine Cone Predictions

Pine Cone Observations- Were your predictions correct?

���

Name:Pine Cones

GEOGRAPHYSCIENCE

KS1

TOPICS

KS1SEASONAL CHANGES PLANTS THE WEATHER

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We are testing how pine cones

change in different weather conditions.

Pine Cones

GEOGRAPHYSCIENCE

KS1

TOPICS

KS1SEASONAL CHANGES PLANTS THE WEATHER