Learning About Dandelion Life Cycles

Dandelions... also called puffballs, lion's head, lion's tooth, and monk's head... are some of the first flowers that appear in the spring.  Spring animals love to eat them.  Children love to play with them.  Science teachers and homeschooling families like to use them to talk about plant life cycles.  Keep reading for a quick science + craft activity and children's book suggestion you can use to teach dandelion life cycles to the children you work with!

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Dandelion Life Cycle

The dandelion life cycle is similar to other plant life cycles:

1. They start as seeds on the ground.
2. The seeds germinate and begin to grow.
3. Seedlings emerge from the seeds and grow into mature plants.
4. The mature plants will develop flowers on them that produce more seeds.
5. Those seeds are scattered by the wind, animals, and children.
6. Then, the life cycle begins again.

Dandelion Life Cycle Craft

To help your students and children understand and visualize the dandelion life cycle, try making this simple craft with them.  It is a fun enrichment activity for your science lessons.  You will need three items:

• paper plates (one per child)
• clear tape
• dandelions

Directions

1. Review the stages of the dandelion life cycle.
2. Give each child a paper plate and a roll of clear tape.
3. Go on a nature walk to a field filled with dandelions.
4. Help your students and children collect dandelions representing each stage of the life cycle.
5. Tape these samples to the paper plates in the proper sequence.
6. Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air!
7. Read The Dandelion Seed by Joseph Anthony when done.

Related Children's Book

Whenever possible, I try to integrate children's literature into the science skills I teach.  The Dandelion Seed by Joseph Anthony is 'an oldie, but a goodie' (1997) and is perfect for learning about dandelion life cycles.  In The Dandelion Seed, there is a small dandelion seed that is afraid to let go of its flower.  When the wind forces it to finally let go, it soars through the air and experiences quite the adventure.  The Dandelion Seed is an adorable story told in rhyme... perfect for reading out loud.  

Author's Summary

In The Dandelion Seed, kids learn the life cycle of a plant, but this dandelion seed is special. Readers follow a beautiful story of life's journey―a journey that brings change and growth. A journey of a tiny dandelion seed who was afraid to let go.  A dandelion can teach much about seeds and seasons and cycles―and the big world that a wind-blown seed can travel―but it also can make us appreciate the challenges it must overcome. This gorgeous book is at once simple and profound. You may be surprised and pleased by the questions and observations of your children after reading this together.

🍎 Title: The Dandelion Seed

🍎 Author: Joseph Anthony

🍎 Illustrator: Cris Arbo

🍎 Publisher: Dawn Publications

🍎 Date: September 1, 1997

🍎 Pages: 32

Did you enjoy reading about dandelion life cycles? If so, read these posts about dandelions and other plants:

• Facts: Five Fun Facts About Dandelions
• STEM: Dippin' Dandelions STEM Challenge
• Book: Love Grows Love by Lauren Grabois Fischer
• STEM: Pumpkin Life Cycle STEM Activity
• STEM: How Do Seeds Travel?
• STEM: What Happens When You Plant Birdseed?
• Book: Broccoli Rob and the Garden Singers by John S. Armstrong
• Craft: How to Make Earth Day Seed Bombs