Objective

By the end of this lesson, Willow will understand what makes plants sprout in spring, identify signs of spring in nature, document her findings, and start her own seeds in the garden. She will create a nature journal to reflect on her discoveries and track the growth of her plants.

Materials and Prep

• Seeds (choose easy-to-grow varieties like sunflowers or beans)
• Potting soil
• Plant pots or seed trays
• Camera or smartphone for photos
• Notebook or Lapbook for nature journal
• Colored pencils or crayons
• Ruler (for measuring growth)

Before starting, familiarize yourself with the local environment and select a safe walking path for the spring hunt. Ensure you have a comfortable spot to plant seeds and prepare the materials needed for the nature journal.

Activities

• Watch a Time Lapse Video

  Begin the lesson by watching a fun time lapse video of flowers blooming. This will help Willow see how quickly and beautifully plants can grow in spring!

• Spring Hunt

  Go on a spring hunt in a local park or garden. Look for signs of spring like new leaves, buds, flowers, and even animals. Take photos of what you find and count how many soft things you can discover!

• Create a Nature Journal

  After the spring hunt, print out the favorite photos and paste them into a nature journal. Willow can draw her favorite soft thing and label it. This will help her remember her adventure!

• Planting Seeds

  Next, it's time to plant seeds! Fill the pots with soil, plant the seeds, and water them. Create a care calendar to track when to water them and how long it takes for them to sprout.

Talking Points

• "What do you think helps a seed grow into a plant?"
• "Can you see any new leaves or flowers on our walk? What colors are they?"
• "Why do you think spring is important for plants?"
• "How do you feel when you see a flower bloom?"
• "What do you think will happen to our seeds after we plant them?"
• "How can we take care of our plants to help them grow big and strong?"