Harvesting Seeds
LESSON 7
( bonus activity)
Children will explore gardens and wildflower meadows, and participate in harvesting seeds.
Small brown bags
Marker to label seeds
Materials
Gather materials for the lesson
Find a garden or wildflower meadow to harvest seeds at.
Preparations
Initiate a discussion about seed harvesting and potential uses.
Encourage children's active participation in identifying essential elements for seed growth.
Provide guidance for seed collection, fostering an attitude of gentle care and respect for nature.
Support and supervise children's collection of various seeds, encouraging enthusiasm for both consumption and future planting.
Objectives for Teachers
Children discuss seed harvesting from gardens and wildflower meadows, exploring reasons and uses.
Children recall what seeds need to grow.
Children observe and recognize different plant stages during a nature walk in gardens or meadows.
Children collect seeds using provided bags or containers with gentle care, fostering respect for nature.
Objectives for Children
Collect and Connect
Growing
Inside the seed,
All bundled up tight
A tiny plant grows,
Needing water and light,
I’ll plant it in soil,
Let it catch the sun's glow,
Then water it gently,
And watch the plant grow.
Activity Flow
Why might someone harvest seeds?
What do people do with harvested seeds? (eat them or plant them)
Do you remember what seeds need to grow?
Introduction: Begin by discussing the concept of harvesting seeds from a garden or wildflower meadow with the children. Promote curiosity by asking these questions:
2. Observation: Take the children on a nature walk to a garden or wildflower meadow, allowing them to observe different plants and flowers. Encourage them to notice the various stages of plants, from blooming to seed formation.
3. Seed Harvesting Experience: Provide children with small brown bags or containers to collect seeds that are ready for harvesting. Guide them to use gentle hands and care while collecting seeds. In our garden, we gathered broccoli seeds, pea seeds, and lettuce seeds. As the sunflowers mature, our plan is to gather sunflower seeds for both eating and future planting. Additionally, we're excited to explore a wildflower meadow in the mountains to collect wildflower seeds, which we intend to plant next spring.
