OBJECTIVE

Students will go through the process of identifying and saving a particular type of seed. They will also understand the significance of saving seeds.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Why is seed saving important?

MATERIALS NEEDED

• A variety of seeds (e.g., beans, garlic, corn, sunflower, kale, etc.)
• Seed pods (either harvested or pre-packaged)
• Seed-saving worksheets
• Pencils and erasers
• Origami paper or pre-cut square sheets for seed packets
• Markers or pens for labeling
• Whiteboard and dry-erase markers

PROCEDURE

1. Introduction to Seed Saving (10 minutes)
   • Begin by engaging the class with the question:
     “What is seed saving, and why is it important?”
     • Allow students to respond and offer their thoughts.
     • Guide the conversation to emphasize the following key points:
       • Seed saving refers to the practice of collecting and storing seeds from plants to use in future plantings.
       • It is important because it promotes biodiversity, preserves heirloom varieties, and reduces reliance on commercial seed companies.
       • Seed saving can also be a fun and cost-effective way to grow food and flowers year after year.
2. Review of Seeds Explored in Previous Lessons (5 minutes)
   • Objective: Reinforce prior learning about different types of seeds.
   • Ask students to recall and name some seeds they have already learned about in previous lessons.
   • As students answer, write the names of the seeds on the whiteboard (e.g., beans, sunflowers, etc.).
   • Use this as an opportunity to review the basic characteristics of each type of seed, highlighting differences (e.g., size, shape, color).
3. Introduction of Today’s Seeds (10 minutes)
   • Present a variety of seeds to the class.
   • The seeds to introduce could include:
     • Beans – Easily recognizable, common in gardens, and available in many varieties.
     • Garlic – A clove is used to grow a new garlic bulb.
     • Corn – A large, smooth seed used in farming.
     • Sunflower – A larger seed often used for both eating and planting.
     • Kale – A small, flat seed that grows into leafy greens.
     • Other seeds (optional) – You may include any seeds that are relevant to your local environment or curriculum.
   • Pass around examples of the seeds, allowing students to handle them and observe the differences in size, shape, and texture.
4. Discussion on Seed Identification (5 minutes)
   • Hold up one of the seed examples (e.g., a sunflower seed) and ask,
     “Does anyone know what type of plant this seed comes from?”
   • Allow time for students to answer, providing additional hints if necessary.
   • Once the correct plant is identified, discuss the characteristics of that plant, focusing on the importance of seeds in its life cycle.
5. Hands-On Activity: Cracking Open Seed Pods (10 minutes)
   • Objective: Allow students to physically explore the seed-producing process.
   • Hand out pre-prepared seed pods to each student (ensure that they have safe, easy-to-open pods such as bean pods or sunflower heads).
   • Ask students to carefully crack open their seed pods and examine the seeds inside.
   • Encourage them to describe what they see—size, shape, color—and discuss the differences between the seeds they have observed in the pod and those from the previous activity.
   • As students examine the seeds, ask:
     “Can anyone identify what seeds these are?”
   • Write the names of the seeds on the whiteboard as students identify them.
6. Labeling the Seeds (5 minutes)
   • Once the seeds have been identified, ask students to write the name of the seed on the whiteboard under the correct seed type.
   • This step reinforces the idea of proper labeling for storage and organization when saving seeds.
7. Making an Origami Seed Packet (10 minutes)
   • Objective: Provide students with a creative and practical way to store their saved seeds.
   • Provide each student with a square sheet of origami paper or pre-cut paper for making seed packets.
   • Guide students through the steps to create a simple origami seed packet:
     1. Fold the paper in half diagonally, then unfold it.
     2. Fold the four corners to the center to form a square.
     3. Fold up the bottom edge to create a flap that will hold the seeds.
     4. Tape or glue the edges to seal the packet.
   • Instruct students to write the name of the seed on the front of their packet.
   • Have students write their names on the packet so it can be easily identified.
   • Once finished, students can place a few seeds inside the packet they created.
8. Conclusion and Clean-Up (5 minutes)

• Ask students to share one thing they learned about seed saving today.
• Encourage them to think about how they can apply this practice in their own lives, whether in a garden or by helping others save seeds.
• Collect any materials or leftover seeds.
• Ensure that students clean up their workstations and dispose of any trash properly.

Extension Ideas:

• For future lessons, students can explore the process of germinating seeds they’ve saved and planting them in a garden or pots.
• Invite a local gardener or horticulturist to talk to the class about the importance of saving seeds in various ecosystems.