Smart Spring Planting

Last Friday my class celebrated Earth Day by cleaning up the school grounds.  The students had a great time raking and picking up trash.  It is amazing how excited kids can get over finding a smashed soda can or a crinkled Dorito Bag.  At the end of the very "earthy" afternoon we came back inside and made terrariums.
I put out the supplies of soil, gravel, plastic cups, tape, and grass seed  The students worked to design the best growing terrarium.  Look how awesome they look soaking up the sun in our classroom window!

It is so fun to watch the students arrive in the morning and take a peek at their terrariums.  They check throughout the day to see if  the grass is growing.  To the students' delight three of them had sprouted tiny grass hairs by Tuesday.  They are really amazed at how quickly one of them is growing.  I love hearing their conversations . . ."I put too much water in mine!"  "Why isn't mine growing?"  "I think mine needs more sunlight."   Little scientists at work!

And the best thing about this project is . . . .
  In our world of expensive digital devices that keep our children's minds blooming, this simple, easy peasy idea may be the best of the mind bloomers yet!

What smart, simple projects have inspired your students?

Amy