Materials
aluminum beverage cans, rinsed and dried
carpet square
recycling bin or bag
5 sheets of colored copy paper
Instructions
* Cut off the tops of plastic bottles to make recycled planters. Poke holes in the
bottom with scissors.
What to Do
1. Help the children add soil and seeds to their recycled planters. Once most of
the plants have begun to grow, hold up the growth chart used for children.
2. Ask if any children have one at home and demonstrate its use by measuring a
few children.
3. Tell the children they will chart the growth of their plants every week.
Demonstrate how to measure your plant and fill in the height on your plant
chart.
4. Allow the children to practice with the rulers and assist them with measuring
and charting their plants.
5. Continue charting each week. After two to three weeks, have each child
present his chart to the class.
6. Discuss whether any plants are growing more rapidly than others. Are any
varieties faster growers? Repeat this process after another week or two.
Teacher - to - Teacher Tip
* Charting plant growth must be done over a long enough period for results to
be clear to the children. The necessary time depends on the varieties of seeds
and other growing conditions. You can also chart the number of leaves on
each plant.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Can the children chart plant growth accurately?
* Do the children recognize that some plants grow faster than others?
