The Story of Seeds

What story are we sharing at county libraries? Now that you’re wondering, One Cool Earth offered “The Story of Seeds”, a 1-hour activity for youth to learn about seeds, at Nipomo, Arroyo Grande, and Oceano libraries. Jenn Marshall, a Garden Educator Manager at One Cool Earth presented to Oceano Library on November 1st.

First, Jenn read two books,  “A Seed is Sleepy” by Dianna Hutts Aston and “Seeds” by Ken Robbins to engage kids in similarities and differences between seeds.  Using real-life props, Jenn presents students with 10 different seeds on a plate with their empty seed packets laid down on the table. The goal of this activity is for students to match the seeds to the corresponding packet based on size, shape, and colors of the different seeds.

The National Science Education Standards asserts that observation is key to inquiry-based and discovery-focused learning in science instruction. We strive to involve students in problem-solving through observation and discourse. Students then are given a chance to share their findings with their peers and then reflect on their own understanding.

After the seed matching game, students are given germinated seeds (seeds that have been sprouted), to observe the structure of the different parts of the seed explore their function. Students search for the seed coat, cotyledon, and roots on their baby plant. Jenn shares, “Kids love seeing germinated seeds! I encourage holding and touching seedlings”.
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One Cool Earth believes that students learn science best by doing science. Students are able to take seeds home to continue exploration and observations and will be able to draw the answer to the big question, “What do you know about seeds?”​

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