The Red Squirrel’s Cone Pantry: Pinecone Moisture & Seed Dispersal

Creature Teacher: American Red Squirrel
Science Category: Biology

Students investigate how moisture affects pinecone scales and explore why red squirrels store cones in cool, damp middens. Inspired by the squirrel’s winter pantry, this hands-on lesson connects pinecone structure to seed protection and dispersal. A bonus hygroscopic properties test invites learners to compare how everyday materials respond to humid air.

All Creature Curriculum resources are educator-designed, classroom-tested, and built to support joyful, meaningful science learning. Each lesson is one of dozens of science investigations available within a growing, interconnected lesson library.

Field-guided. Educator made.
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