Introduction

Plants fill the world around us, making it green, fresh, and alive. In fact, plants make up over 60% of the earth! In this activity, you will create an environment to grow seedlings and observe the process of photosynthesis. (Photosynthesis is the process whereby plants convert sunlight into sugars for food.)

Purpose

• Reinforcement curriculum in Science
• Participate in science activities and discussion

Time

This is an ongoing project requiring 1-2 hours to create your greenhouse and plant seeds, and then a few minutes each day thereafter to water plants and chart growth.

Materials

• An old shoebox or similarly sized box
• Wire coat hangers
• Scotch tape
• Plastic wrap
• Pennies
• Potting soil
• Paper cups or small planting containers
• Wire cutters or strong scissors to cut hangers
• Seeds (choose plant seeds that won’t get too big, like sprout seeds)
• Notebook

Directions

• Straighten out a coat hanger and cut two or three equal lengths (depending on the size of your box and plastic wrap)
• Place and securely tape the ends of the wire arcs to the inside of the box ends and, if necessary, one in the center of the box for extra support
• Securely tape the plastic wrap to each end of the box. Carefully tape the plastic wrap from the back over to the front, leaving the front untaped. Attach pennies to each corner of the plastic wrap to hold it in place yet allow you access to water your plants.
• Take your planting containers and add potting soil and seeds, water, and place inside your greenhouse. (Remember not to let the soil get dry.) Put the greenhouse in a well-lit window and water regularly.
• Once your plants have outgrown their house, see if you can replant them in bigger containers or outside.
• Keep a daily log of the seedlings’ growth progress.

Other Information and Resources

• Visit the U.S. Government's website on botany for kids for more on plants and plant activities.