Look for a pinecone from a pine tree, such as a loblolly or longleaf pine, in your backyard or a local forest.

Closely observe your pinecone on a dry, sunny day. Using your sense of touch or vision, note if the scales of the pinecone are open or closed.

Return to the pinecone after a humid or rainy day and observe any changes in the pinecone. Are the scales closed now?

Place one pinecone in a sunny spot and check on it throughout the day. Does it open or close?

Place another pinecone in a cup of water. Watch for any changes—does it stay closed or open? Track how long it takes for the pinecone to respond.

Think about why pinecones might behave this way. How does this help pine trees in East Texas survive and reproduce?

Once you've completed your observations and logged the data, you can earn your badge by showing how you've understood pinecone adaptations!