Self vs. Cross Pollination and Flower Types

5th GradeScience60 min

aligned to Cambridge Primary Science

Learning Objective

I can compare and contrast self-pollination and cross-pollination in flowering plants. I can explain the features of insect, wind and animal pollinated flowers.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

6 min

Flowers and Their Pollinators: A Perfect Match! | Spring is Here! | SciShow Kids

SciShow Kids

Guided Notes

12 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • Pollination is when an animal moves pollen from one plant to another, and the animals that carry pollen are called pollinators.

  • Butterflies use a long, skinny mouthpart called a proboscis to drink nectar from flowers, while tube-lipped bats use their long tongue to reach nectar deep inside flowers.

  • Hummingbirds have a thin, curved beak that allows them to reach the nectar inside certain flowers, dusting their heads and bodies with pollen in the process.

Practice

18 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Explain how a butterfly's proboscis helps it pollinate flowers. Be sure to mention the shape of the flowers that butterflies typically pollinate.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts