VanCleave's Science Fun

Your Guide to Science Projects, Fun Experiments, and Science Research

ABOUT THE SOUND PICTURE

With mouth wide open, vibrating air coming up the throat from the vocal chords leaving the open mouth and spreading in all directions. Hi, I am Janice VanCleave, author of 50+ best-selling science experiment books for children ages 4 through high school. I taught science for 27 years and now am creating this science website.   My scream was not staged. The picture was to be of two adult cats, which I was holding. A microsecond before the camera snapped, the two cats dug their claws into my skin as they prepared to leap out of my arms. A picture like this is great for making inferences. Kids could make "guesses" as to why I am screaming. They would be drawing on facts from the photo, such as I look like I am in pain or maybe I am just pretending.

Sound Supplies and Sound Investigations

Educational Innovation Sound Supplies A black and yellow logo for Educational Innovations. A place to find fun science supplies.
  • Home
  • ASK JANICE
  • Teacher Guide
  • Homeschool Science For Kids
Home » Biology: Seed Dispersal

Biology: Seed Dispersal

By Janice VanCleave

grass-burr-fruit2grass-burr-fruitI have painful memories of walking barefoot through what appeared to be a field of soft grass. Some of the grass had produced sharp pointed fruit. While the spikes on some of the fresh burr fruit were not as stiff, they still were able to penetrate the tough skin on my feet. As the fruit dried, it turned brown and the spikes hardened. More painful.

No! This experience did not encourage me to wear my shoes. Instead, I learned to recognize grass that produced burrs. For more photos of burr fruit producing grass, see Burr Fruit.

The spiked grass fruit sticks  to things other than skin, including clothes and animal fur, and is carried to other areas. How seeds are dispersed is an interesting study. Some seeds can actually move around all by themselves, such as a grass called Thread-and-Needle. When you see the seed you will understand this name. For more information about this grass, see   SEED DISPERSAL:MECHANICAL MOTION

Share this:

  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Print (Opens in new window) Print

Filed Under: Biology

Topic Search

Visitors From All Over the World


Welcome to Janice’s Science Extravaganza!

The spoon hanging from the string vibrates when struck and these vibrations are transmitted through the string and the sound is amplified by the plastic cups. ABOUT ME: Hi, I am Janice VanCleave, author of 50 best-selling science experiment books for children ages 4 through high school. I taught science for 27 years. MORE.....

Introductory CAT Lesson

Science CAT Activity and SCI/Art  

SOON! More CAT Activities

Janice VanCleave CAT Stickers

Order Your CAT Stickers Here

FAQs

Janice VanCleave answers your questions about all the different kinds of color changing products.

Check here for Frequently Asked Questions about CAT
stickers.

Send Questions to Janice

Send Information to me using this form.

Contact Janice

Other Janice VanCleave Free Color Changing Lessons

  • HAT Stickers Heat Activated Thermochromic Stickers Stickers that change colors when heated.
  • SA Stickers Sun Activated Stickers Stickers that change color when exposed to sunlight.
  • TLC Dot Stickers Thermochromic Liquid Crystal Stickers Stickers that, like Mood Rings, change color when heated.

Copyright © 2026 · Janice Van Cleave · JVC's Science Fair Projects · Log in