Join us for a fun and educational activity where kids become "Greenhouse Heroes!" They'll learn about sustainability and reuse while discovering how to help plants thrive using everyday materials. This hands-on experience promotes teamwork and creativity as we create mini greenhouses and understand the importance of water for plant growth.
Sustainability, Reuse
Focused Vocabulary
Sustainability
Reuse
Grow
Materials:
Plastic Bottle (Large)
Plastic water bottle
Scissor (Adult)
Construction paper
Tape or glue
Markers
Tiny plant in tiny pot
Preparation:
Make sure plastic bottles are clean
Poke holes on large bottle cap
Background:
We can reuse plastic bottles in all sorts of ways! Even to help the plants in our garden grow for food and cleaner air!
Water helps plants grow by:
Making Food: Plants use water to turn sunlight into food.
Carrying Nutrients: Water helps plants get the nutrients they need from the soil.
Keeping Plants Strong: Water helps plants stay firm and not wilt.
Helping Growth: Water helps plants grow bigger and stronger.
Cooling Down: Water keeps plants from getting too hot.
So, water is like a magic drink that helps plants stay happy and healthy!
A greenhouse is like a special house for plants that helps them grow better.
Keeps Plants Warm: It traps the sun’s heat, so plants stay warm even when it's chilly outside.
Lets in Sunshine: The clear walls let lots of sunlight in, which plants need to make their food.
Protects from Bad Weather: It keeps plants safe from rain, wind, and frost.
Keeps Air Moist: It helps keep the air nice and moist, which plants love.
Keeps Pests Away: It keeps bugs and diseases away from the plants.
In a greenhouse, plants get everything they need to grow big and strong!
Pre Activity Questions:
Why is water important for plants?
How can a greenhouse help a plant grow?
Directions:
Explain to the children we will be using the plastic bottles and teamwork to help our little plant grow!
Take the large bottle and have children decorate it using construction paper, markers, and tape.
Fill it with water and put the cap on
Use a needle to poke multiple holes into the top of the bottle
Take the small plant outside and demonstrate how the watering can works! Explain plants need water to grow, just like we do!
Next take the water bottle and cut off the bottom half
Place the bottle over the pot to act as a mini greenhouse!
Explain to the children how the greenhouse effect helps plants grow too! Especially here in the crazy Rocky Mountain weather!
Post Activity Questions:
What else do plants need to survive?
What other recycling could help us with our garden?
This activity along with our additional Sustainability Activities were generously sponsored by the Copper Environmental Fund for continued education!
