Pollen and Dust
Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
- Name different things that float in air (dust, pollen, smoke)
- Know that pollen comes from flowers and plants
- Understand that some particles make people sneeze
Big Question
"What are all the different tiny things floating in our air?"
Materials Needed
- Pictures of pollen (microscope images if available)
- Real flowers with visible pollen (like lilies or dandelions)
- Pictures showing dust, smoke, and pollen
- Chart paper for sorting activity
- Yellow pompoms or cotton balls (to represent pollen)
Circle Time: Where Does It Come From? (5 min)
Teacher Says:
"We know there are tiny things floating in the air. But where do they come from? Today we are going to learn about different things in the air and where they come from. Some come from flowers! Some come from smoke! Some come from our skin and clothes!"
Activity 1: Meet the Particles (10 min)
Show and Tell About Each Type:
Pollen
- Yellow powder from flowers
- Helps plants make seeds
- Floats in the air, especially in spring
- Makes some people sneeze!
Dust
- Tiny bits of many things
- Comes from skin, fabric, dirt, and more
- Found everywhere, especially indoors
- Settles on furniture and floors
Smoke
- Comes from fires and burning things
- Very tiny particles
- Can make air look hazy
- Not good to breathe in
Activity 2: Pollen Exploration (8 min)
If You Have Real Flowers:
- Show students a flower with visible pollen
- Let them gently touch the pollen (yellow powder!)
- Blow gently on the flower - watch pollen float away!
- Explain: "This pollen floats through the air to other flowers!"
Movement Break: Be a Particle! (5 min)
Role Play Different Particles:
"Be pollen!" - Float gently from flower to flower
"Be dust!" - Drift slowly down and settle on the floor
"Be smoke!" - Rise up, up, up and spread out
"Wind is blowing!" - All particles swirl around!
Wrap-Up Circle (2 min)
Ask Students:
- "What are some things floating in the air?" (Dust, pollen, smoke)
- "Where does pollen come from?" (Flowers and plants!)
- "Why do some people sneeze in spring?" (Pollen in the air!)
Key Takeaway
Many different things float in the air! Dust comes from everywhere. Pollen comes from flowers. Smoke comes from fires. Some of these can make people sneeze or cough.
Teacher Tips
Allergy Awareness
Some students may have pollen allergies. Be sensitive and do not use real flowers if this is a concern.
Visual Aids
Pictures of pollen under a microscope are fascinating for young learners - they look like tiny balls!