Seed Planting and Observation
This garden themed preschool science activity is a great introduction to the life cycle of plants. Through our hands-on approach, children learn about the plant life cycle and gain valuable experience with planting, observing, and nurturing their own plants.
Materials Needed
Seeds
Soil
Seed Planting and Observation
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time Needed: 5 Minutes * 14ish days
Best done: Indoors/Outdoors
Mess Level: Medium
Materials Needed
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Empty Bottle /Container
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Scissors
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Seeds - libraries sometimes offer for free!
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Soil
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Observation Page (optional)
Time to Experiment!
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For this activity your child(ren) will plant and observe a seed. Because the process takes time, this activity will last two weeks.
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To start, cut the bottom of a plastic bottle off (ensuring there are not sharp edges). We like to use these as they allow children to observe the plant from all sides. If you do not have a plastic bottle, an empty play dough container or something similar works great as well!
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Then give your child a seed to plant (or let them choose).
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Discuss with them that for a seed to grow it needs: soil, water, and sunlight. It must also be buried.
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Ask them to make a small hole in the soil and place the seed inside. Then cover it back up.
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Remind them that a seed needs water to grow and give it some water!
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Lastly, remind them that it also needs sunlight, have them choose a sunny spot to place their pot.
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Have your child observe their seed each day to see if they notice any changes. Make sure they are also giving it water as needed!
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Optionally-have them make their observations on this page. Otherwise, they can verbally make them-or draw a picture each day.
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Once you have a nice little plant, put it in the ground and watch it grow even more!
**Other seed idea: some seeds - beans in particular will also grow if you sprout them on a paper towel. This is an interesting option as it really allows your child to watch as the bean slowly sprouts and grows. Make sure you keep the paper towel damp at all times as the seed does not have the dampness of the soil to help it.