Garden Lessons: Planting Rocks, Seeds, and Mulch (Pre-K & Kindergarten)
Grades: Pre-K & Kindergarten
Lesson Objective(s): Students will do an experiment, planting pebbles, seeds, and mulch in different containers to see what will grow.
Ohio Curriculum Standard: Living things are different than non-living things
Supplies Needed
Book: Do you know which will grow by Susan Shea
markers/crayons/colored pencils
Seed, rock, mulch worksheet (1 per student)
3 tins with same kind of soil for planting inside, papers taped to sides that read “seeds, rocks, mulch” with examples of each taped to papers
Bean Seeds in bowl (one per student)
small pebbles in bowl (one per student)
Pieces of mulch in bowl (one per student)
Harmonica
Introduction (5 mins)
Welcome everyone to garden: introduce self & grown ups
Circle up & Read book “Do you Know Which Will Grow” By Susan Shea
Activity (20 mins)
Stay in circle for first part of activity
Today we’re going to be looking at different kinds of seeds- and even get to plant some seeds!
Show kids example of different things we’re planting: mulch, seeds, rock
Ask about differences: is this bigger or smaller than the other? etc.
pass around bowls of seeds, rock, and mulch
Students line up and plant mulch, seed, or rock in corresponding bin.
Students color/ draw on “Seed, Rock, Mulch” worksheet what they think will happen. Ask: What do you think will happen? Will all of them grow?
Wrap up (5 mins)
Gather up: ask students to share what they drew
Everybody wash hands/hand sanitize
Snack: Hummus & carrot