Materials
Paper the size of the back of the jar Crayons or markers
Laminate or clear contact paper Glass or plastic jar
Clear mailing tape Water
Instructions
1. On a piece of paper, draw a thin plant or flower. Color and laminate or cover with clear contactpaper, leaving enough of an edge around the plant picture so that paper does not get wet.
2. Using clear mailing tape, adhere the picture to the outside of the jar so that when you lookthrough the front of the jar, the plant picture is facing you.
3. During group time, show the class the jar with the plant picture. Ask them what they thinkmight happen when you pour water into the jar.
4. Pour in the water. Water will greatly magnify the picture and make it look like the plant isgrowing before their eyes.
5. Ask the children how they think the plant grew so quickly. Explain that water can magnify thingsand make them look bigger than they are. Describe what it takes for a real plant to grow.More to doMore science: Put the activity on the science table for children to experiment with. Place acookie sheet with edges under this activity to keep the spills off the table.
