Materials
cardboard boxes or giant papiermache animals
paint
paintbrushes
cotton balls
sequins
yarn
other decorative materials
pictures of recyclable and nonrecyclable items, laminated
Instructions
* Fill pots with soil and plant seeds in the soil.
What to Do
1. Engage the children in a conversation about greenhouses. Explain that
greenhouses are supposed to help plants grow.
2. Show the children the bags and help the children plant seeds in them. Make
sure all plants have water. Explain how these bags are like greenhouses.
3. Over the next few days, watch for signs of plant growth. Make a note of
whether plants with greenhouses sprout first. Consider whether they use more
water. Note other effects, including moss growth or lack of flies. Discuss why
these effects may occur.
4. Before removing the greenhouses, allow the children to slip a hand or finger
inside. Talk with the children about moisture and temperature. Remove the
greenhouses when the plants are close to the top.
5. Ask the children what would happen to the plant if we didn't include water,
changed the air inside to something else, removed the air before closing the
bags, or left garbage in the greenhouse.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Do the children notice the effects of the greenhouses on plant growth?
* Do the children see the condensation and judge the water use?
* Do the children begin to consider the effects of human actions on the
environment?
