We love teaching students where their food comes from. Did you know that a dormant seed contains everything that it needs to grow into a plant and grow food to eat?
This month students learns the parts of a seed and then each was given a seed that had been soaked in water to awaken and germinate. They were instructed to peel the seed coat and then gently pry the seed halves apart to discover what was on the inside. What they found was a tiny root and leaf, and the seed’s stored energy (cotyledon). They used magnifying glasses to further explore the parts of the seed.
Students also learned that the energy in seeds is good for their bodies. When we eat seeds, the energy stored in them provides our bodies with energy and valuable nutrients. Our staff demonstrated how to make a “Seed Salad” with popcorn, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries and the kids enjoyed tasting the snack.
Last, every young gardener planted three tomato seeds that will germinate in our grow room and find their way into gardens this spring.
This project was funded in whole or in part by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Fitness Foundation. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.