Easy Earth Day Activity for Kids

With Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24) this week, lots of people will be digging their hands into dirt for the first time this year, but you don’t have to get your hands dirty to enjoy this activity for kids. By starting your garden in a bag, you can teach your children about germination and observe the first sprout pushing its way out of the seed.

Materials
Sealable sandwich bag
Dry bean
Paper towel
Clear tape

Instructions
1. Dampen a paper towel and place the folded towel in the bag. The paper towel should be damp enough to provide moisture for the bean, but not dripping or mold will occur.

2. Place the dry bean on top of the damp paper towel and seal the bag. There does not need to be air in the bag.

3. Tape the bag to a window to provide sunlight for the bean. The warmth the sunlight provides is more important than the light. The window also helps for viewing the seed as it germinates.

4. The seeds should begin to germinate in 3-5 days. You may need to moisten the paper towel if it is dry.

5. Record the growth of the sprouts by measuring or having your children sketch what they see.

6. After approximately 2 weeks, you should be able to transplant the seed into soil. Depending on where you live, you may want to keep the plant indoors until it's warm enough for the plant to survive outside.

What plans does your homeschool family have for Earth Day (April 22) or Arbor Day (April 24)?