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Spicy sprouts

This simple activity shows children how easy it is to grow and care for their own mini-garden. Once you've experimented with one type of sprout, try another and observe the differences. Label each new jar and you'll soon have a cupboard full of fresh herbs and spices.

What this activity will develop:
Science skills

What you'll need:

• Clear jar or glass
• Absorbent paper towels
• Spray water bottle
• Whole-seed spices or herbs (such as celery, poppy, sesame, fennel)

Setting up:

1. Line the inside of the jar or glass with several layers of paper towels. Spray the towels with a light mist of water.
2. Place the seeds between the towels and the glass, halfway down.
3. Spray the towels with water several times a day to keep them moist.

What to do:

• Teach your child how to observe the growth of the seeds. Measure the lengths of the roots. Draw pictures of the seedling plants each week. Keep a record in a science log or plain notebook.
• Then begin a second sprout jar and place it in a dark area. Compare and observe the growth of the new seedlings to the growth of the ones in the first jar.

 

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