Seed Bankers

Task 1: What is a seed bank?

Discuss!
Answer the following questions below about seed banks:

1. What do you think a seed bank is?
2. ​Why might scientists store seeds?

Learn!
Read The seedbank: into the vault and watch the video
of the Forest Red Gum seeds being prepared for the seed bank

Task 2: Become a seed scientist

1. Go on a seed scavenger hunt around your school. Your teacher will tell you which plants are appropriate for seed collection.

2. Prepare your seeds for storing. Remember, seeds need to be kept cool and dry in either cloth or paper (if stored in plastic they may overheat and start to germinate).

3. Label each seed with the following information: What is the botanical name of this plant? What family group does this plant come from? When is the best time to sow this plant? How far apart should the seeds or seedlings be planted?

4. Engage in a seed swap to build diversity into your seed bank.

5. Germinate a selection of seeds to test seed
   viability and to re-plant into the school environment.

Documenting the process

Before you begin the experiment, prepare a science journal. This may be a blank notebook. Each day, you will record the following information:
 
Date:
 
Aim:
 
Procedure:
 
Photo:
 
Seed catalogue:

  
Reflection: