Cockleburs Stuck to Clothing

Every time you go for a hike, you risk the chance of bringing back some cockleburs. It can make exploring Iowa interesting because they tend to get stuck on animals and clothing. Cockleburs use this method of attaching to animals (humans included) to disperse seeds. 

• Why do cockleburs stick to you?

• What is a cocklebur?
• Why are they so hard to get off?
• Do they hurt animals?
• Is it good to pollinate them? 

Students could:

• Go for a hike and see if any cockleburs stick to you.
• Bring some cockleburs in to dissect.
• Research what kind of habitat you will most likely find cockleburs.

• PBS LearningMedia | Makers: Velcro:  Looking at both burrs and Velcro® under a magnifying glass, the children discover that both are covered with tiny hooks. They learn the inventor of Velcro® was actually inspired by a walk in the woods with his dog.
• PBS Kids: Seed Soaring Game: An interactive game for students to play and explore seeds. 
• Elinor Wonders Why | The Seed of an Idea: While outside, Elinor observes that velcro is very similar to a burr seed that is stuck to Ari’s shirt.