Pine Cone Experiment
Have you ever seen a pine cone? You’ve probably spotted them on the ground while walking in the woods. They are hard, have many scales, and look a bit like dragon scales. But did you know that these cones have some special secrets? Today, you'll find out what happens when you put a pine cone in water. Why is this exciting? Because you can watch how the cone changes! And all of this happens just because you give it a 'rainy day'. Let's get started!
What you'll need
- A glass of water
- An open pine cone
How it works
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Find a nice, large pine cone. Take a close look at it. What does it look like? Are the scales wide open or more closed? Feel the surface of the cone. Is it rough or smooth?
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Fill a glass with water. Now it gets exciting. Carefully place the cone in the water. Make sure it is fully submerged. Do you think the cone will change?
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Now it’s time to observe! Check the cone every 10 to 15 minutes. What happens? Do you see any changes? Maybe you’ll notice that the scales are slowly closing.
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Why do the scales of the cone close? Pine cones have the job of protecting the seeds of the pine tree. In dry weather, the scales open so that the seeds can fall out and spread in the forest.
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When it rains, the scales close to protect the seeds and keep them from getting wet.
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By submerging the cone in water, you’ve given it a 'rainy day'. So you've triggered the same effect as rain. The cone reacted by closing its scales to protect its valuable seeds.
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Tell your friends or family about your experiment. Maybe you can even plan new experiments together. There are many exciting things to discover in nature, and it’s even more fun together.
What kids learn from this
- Curiosity & scientific thinking
- Understanding of nature & patience
