Have you ever noticed that pinecones open and close? This is the perfect simple science experiment to add to your tree nature study! We will learn about the anatomy of a pinecone and how pine seeds disperse.
Supplies
2 pinecone
A jar or bowl full of water
Instructions
- Soak one pinecone in water for a few hours. Leave the other dry.
- Write your hypothesis. “What do you predict will happen to the wet pinecone?”
- Observe! Did it match your prediction? Why do you think the pinecone’s scales closed when wet?
Pinecones are open when they are warm and dry. When they are wet, the scales close. This prevents the seeds from being dispersed on a rainy day.
Pinecones have no living cells and yet they can sense humidity. How?
The underside of a pinecone’s scale is made of stretchable cells. The inner layer is made of stiff cells. When water falls on the upper layer, it beads down into the central stalk. The outer layer of cells expand, and the scales bend upward until they completely shut the pinecone. When the pinecone dries out again, the water evaporates in the scales. The outer layer shrinks to its original size, making the scales open.
Ready to learn more about trees? Acorn to Oak’s Tree Study has you covered!
Scientists and designers are using this nature observation to design fabric or building materials that change in different humidity.
This nature observation is part of the nature walk in the letter P lesson of Alphabet Forest. Try our free sample lessons today!
