Materials
8" x 10" or similar size construction paper
paste
child-safe scissors
colored markers and crayons
old nature magazines with pictures of ponds
stapler (adult use only)
Instructions
l Fill the plastic condiment bottle with clear water.
l Write each child's name on a plastic bag.
What To Do
1. Read Joan Elma Rahn's Watch It Grow, Watch It Change to the children.
2. Talk with the children about the season when people plant and grow things.
Ask the children if they have ever seen or helped people plant seeds.
3. Explain to the children that seeds usually sprout in the ground but that they
are going to see seeds sprouting before they get planted.
4. Show the children how to dribble water gently on a paper towel, place two
seeds on the paper towel, fold it over the seeds, and place it in their plastic
bag.
5. Stack the plastic bags in a dark, warm place. Let the children check for sprouts
every day, dribbling more water on the paper towels if they are not moist.
6. When tiny sprouts appear, poke three holes in the bottom of a cup, add the
potting soil, and plant the seeds, sprout side up. Moisten with water and place
in sunny spot.
Teacher - to - Teacher Tip
l Plant some unsprouted seeds at the same time the sprouted seeds are planted
and then observe which ones pop through the soil first.
Assessment
To assess the children's learning, consider the following:
l Do the children show interest in the appearance of the sprouts?
l Can the children plant and water their seeds with a minimum of help?
