Take time to smell the roses. Summer is the perfect time to do just that. Take field trips to the botanical gardens, florists and nurseries to explore the different types of flowers. Discuss the anatomy of a flower and what flowers need to grow and thrive. Then, let students grow their own flowers!
Materials:
- Half egg cartons
- Dirt or soil
- Six different types of flower seeds (check for seasonal flowers)
- Spray bottle
- Water
Instructions:
- Give each student half of an egg carton.
- Let them place dirt or soil in the six empty egg cups.
- Give them a few seeds from six different types of flowers to plant in the different sections.
- Cover the seeds with a little more dirt.
- Place the egg cartons in a sunny window and keep soil moist. Use a spray bottle filled with water to moisten the soil. Pouring water directly on the seeds tend to drown them.
- Ask students to record observations about the seeds: a. Which come up first? b. What color are the seedlings? c. When do they need transplanting? d. Which need more moisture, etc.?
Lesson:
Gardening offers a range of benefits for children and youth. It benefits their well-being, improves their attitudes towards the environment and fosters key academic, social and life skills. Check out Kids’ Garden: 40 Indoor and Outdoor Games for fun gardening games and activities.
This activity was adapted from Summer Sizzlers & Magic Mondays: School-Age Theme Activities.
