Planning pathways using pollination resources
This interactive diagram provides a selection of pathways that allow for differing approaches and starting points using our pollination resources. The aim is to assist educators with their planning of lessons and units of work by providing options that cover multiple science concepts. Click on the labels for links to supporting articles, media and student activities.
Download a PDF file of the transcript here.
Transcript
Pollination basics
Pollination is the process that transfers pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part.
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Video acknowledgement: University of Waikato
Avocado pollination
Avocados have an unusual system of flowering to prevent self-pollination. This can make things difficult for growers.
Related article
Related media
Avocado research – video
Image acknowledgement: University of Waikato
Kiwifruit pollination
Kiwifruit flowers are insect pollinated, but they are a bit unusual. They don’t have nectar to attract insects, and they produce ‘fake’ pollen.
Related articles
Related media
Artificial pollination – video
RoboBee – video
Processing pollen – interactive
Related activities
Image acknowledgement: University of Waikato
Flowers and pollination
All flower parts play a role in reproduction.
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Image acknowledgement: University of Waikato
Attracting pollinators
Flowers have many ways to help animals or the wind to pollinate them.
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Related activities
Image acknowledgement: Neville Gardner
Bees and pollination
Honey bees are the most important pollinators of many cultivated food crops and other flowering plants.
Related articles
The Buzz of Bees – Connected article
Related media
Working with bees – video
Avocado research – video
Image acknowledgement: University of Waikato
Native birds as pollinators
Birds are important pollinators of many native plants. Contrary to previous beliefs, if birds are not available to pollinate certain native flowers, insects cannot fill the role.
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Related activity
Image acknowledgement: Neville Gardner
Pollination experts
Find out who is working in the field of plant pollination.
Related articles
Related media
Artificial pollination – video
Mistletoe research – video
Mistletoe discoveries – video
Image acknowledgement: Eve Welch, University of Canterbury
NZC level 1 and 2 pollination resources
These resources offer an introduction to the science behind pollination.
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Related activities
Image acknowledgement: University of Waikato
Pollination and technology
Many kiwifruit growers use artificial pollination. Innovative technology includes robotics and sensors.
Related articles
Related media
Artificial pollination – video
RoboBee – video
Processing pollen – interactive
Related activities
Image acknowledgement: University of Waikato
