Watch the changes of the seasons from winter to spring with a seasonal terrarium.
Materials
- Quart jars (use pint jars to complete the project on a smaller scale)
- Potting soil
- Varieties of seeds
- Crushed ice
Procedures
- Lead a brainstorming discussion about the changes present as winter gives way to spring.
- Put the children in groups of four and provide each group with a jar.
- The groups add potting soil to about 1/3 full.
- Sprinkle seeds, then add another 1/4" of potting soil.
- Add crushed ice to about 1" deep.
- It is now winter in the seasonal terrarium.
- Put a lid on the terrarium and place it in a sunny window. The children should watch and, if you wish, journal the changes beginning with the melting snow, which waters the tiny seeds. Within a few weeks, the warmth and moisture will encourage seedlings to creep cautiously upward. Eventually spring will come to the terrarium with tall, viable plants.
Excerpted from Themes Across the Curriculum.
Students watch the changes of the seasons from winter to spring with a seasonal terrarium.
Subjects
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