Theresa L Peplinski
Growing Summer by Growing Grass Inside Your Classroom
A great mid-winter science exploration is growing grass in clear plastic cups. Observing the plant life cycle, touching the grass as it grows, and smelling the scents of summer bring together multiple learning opportunities from science to fine motor skills. The responsibility of watering and caring for the grass on a daily basis promotes responsibility and teamwork in caring for a living entity. The cups can be decorated with facial features so they 'get a hair cut' but often this is an unnecessary step that block the children's ability to observe the seeds sprouting, roots growing, and plant beginning to push through the soil. A plant light and warming mat under the cups enhances the growth. I recommend planting on a Friday so by Monday or Tuesday there will likely be sprouts to observe.
