Kid’s Korner-Free Activities To Try At Home-Growing Seeds

Kid’s Korner
Growing Magic Beans
Walt Disney said it best when he stated, “Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children.” Over the years I’ve come to realize that many of my core beliefs when I teach match up with his -the need to teach through storytelling, the need for innovation and creativity and that people are the most productive when they are inspired by what they have done. Never is this truer than when seen through the eyes of a child.Welcome to Summer Camp. A new weekly series to help you combat the two most dreaded words of the summer “I’m Bored!” Each week we will be offering to you simple activities that you can do with the children in your life with virtually no prep and no expense. The only limits are your imagination. Sound like fun? Then let’s get started! This week we’re starting with seeds.
To Gather Ahead of time: Plastic Cups, Cotton Balls, or Dirt, Lima Beans
Watching lima bean seeds grow into to a bean plant is a common science project for young children. Bean seeds that are placed in a plastic cup with moist cotton germinate rapidly. The cotton retains the moisture for the seeds and provides just enough for them to germinate. It also keeps the seeds from getting too moist and from rotting. Once germinated, the seedlings can be dissected if it’s a science experiment, or they can be transplanted right into your garden.
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Place the cups in a sunny window and watch for germination. Lima beans geminate quickly and you should start to see plants within a few days. As you can see, we had a sprout within a few hours!
Extending the Fun:
And just for some added fun, let your kids act out the story of Mickey and the Beanstalk