Materials
One clear plastic tumbler per child
Vegetable or flower seeds, two different packets (for example, beans and carrots or sunflower and marigold)Potting soil Water
Stickers Permanent marker
Chart paper
Instructions
1. Discuss what seeds need in order to grow sun, soil and water and then show the children the two different types of seeds.
2. Write each child's name on a plastic tumbler.
3. Fill each tumbler three-quarters full with soil.
4. Ask the children to poke a hole in the soil and plant their two seeds.
5. Help each child water the seeds, and place the cups in a sunny location in the room.
6. Encourage the children to think about which of their seeds will sprout first. Glue the seed packets along the top of a large piece of chart paper. As each child states his prediction, let him put a sticker underneath the seed packet representing the prediction.
7. Discuss with the children the fact that our predictions don't always turn out to be correct. Check the seeds' progress daily and keep them moist.More to doMore science: The children may prepare mini-science sketchbooks by stapling together four to five pieces of paper and leaving them in a basket, along with pencils and crayons. They can chart the progress of their seeds. Be prepared to take dictation and record the findings in their books.
