Once the seeds are placed in groups, think about why you decided to make these groups.

What characteristics do these seeds share?

Use your observations to help develop hypotheses to explain how each group of seeds are transported from the parent plant to a new area. Think about the environment where these plants are found.

Is it dry or wet?

Do other organisms live there?

As you consider these questions, use the structure of the seed to help you develop your hypotheses. Create a Seed Record Sheet like the one below and record your ideas .

A Closer Examination

Scientists use instruments to help them make better observations. Since your eyes cannot always see small details on such small objects as seeds, using a digital microscope will magnify the seeds so you can make better observations.

Open the QX3 microscope to Live View. Adjust the lighting so you can see the seed on the computer screen. It will probably work best using top lighting. Use the dimmer slider to increase or decrease the brightness. For this activity, only the snapshot feature will be used.

Many of the seeds may have additional adaptations not easily visible to the unaided eye. Begin with the burdock seed. Place it under the QX3 and focus the seed at 10X first, then increase the power. Take a snapshot when the details of the seed are clear – at 60X or 200X. You may want to use the Paint feature in the QX3 program to label each picture.

Look at the seeds from each group.

Can you find any structures that would aid in carrying the seed away from the plant?

Are there similarities between the seeds in your group?

As you explore the seeds, refer to the record sheet.

Would you change anything you wrote there?

After making careful observations of each seed, take a moment to check over the original groups. Rearrange any seeds that need to change from one another.

Once you have taken snapshots of each of the seeds at 60X or 200X, create a folder on a floppy disk to store your pictures for later use. As you export each snapshot, make sure it is named something you will remember, such as "serrated edges," "hooks," or "wingtips."

To export a snapshot, scroll through the image files until you find the one you want. Then select the OK check mark. This will return you to the main menu showing the snapshot to be exported.

Image collection files with snapshot selected.

Now select Export. When the message box appears, be sure to name the snapshot and place the file in the appropriate folder. Save all snapshots as JPG files. Then click OK. Repeat these step for each of the snapshots to be exported.

Procedure 1  |   2   |   3