Materials
Magic Growing Powder by Janet Quin-Harkin 2 identical potted plants
Plant food or fertilizer Chart paper
Marker Camera, optional
Instructions
1. Read the book.
2. Review the purpose of the "magic growing powder" that was used in the story.
3. Relate the idea of "magic growing powder" to fertilizer or plant food.
4. Introduce the two identical potted plants and the plant food to the class.
5. Ask the children to make predictions about what might happen to each of the plants if allconditions are kept the same except that one is watered with tap water and one is wateredwith a plant food solution.
6. Measure and record the height of each plant. If possible, take a photo of the two plants sideby side for comparison later on.
7. Place the plants in an area of the room where they will receive adequate light and be in easyreach of the children so they can assist in daily care and monitoring.
8. Water the plants appropriately, keeping a daily record of the care of each. Measure eachplant and record the results after a few days. Continue to measure and record over a periodof time so that the children can see the changes and evaluate the effectiveness of the plantfood.
9. Photographs may also be made at the end of the experiment to demonstrate a "before andafter" relationship to the children.More to doMore science: Try this experiment with several types of plant food to determine the best product.Each child could keep a personal learning log to record the steps in the experiment and theresults.
