Build A Plant Maze!

Jennifer — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:00:01 +0000

This is a really fun experiment for kids I read about in a magazine a few years back. I wish I had the magazine for the photos. I don’t so I had to actually draw my own graphics. The picture by the way is a little crude since I’m in the middle of a move I couldn’t find the ruler or markers (packed). I had to use crayons and draw the lines free hand (sorry). But the project is great!

This maze will teach kids about the power of solar and show them just how clever plants are.

Materials needed:

A large cardboard box — the kind that has dividers. Something I forgot to draw in the photo is that the box needs a lid. It will have to be closed on all sides for this experiment to work. I got a large whiskey box from the local alcohol shop. Obviously kids, ask an adult to do that part.
A box cutter.
Dried beans or other flower seeds (I tried both and beans worked best). Don’t use seeds that need light to germinate. The back of your seed packet will give you this information.
Soil in a little flower pot.
Super strength clear tape. I used packing tape.

How to make your maze!

Paint or color the outside of your box in cool colors. Mine is boring brown in the picture — see if your box can be way more exciting.
Place the box on it’s side so that the lid is in front.
Cut one hole in what is now the top of the box and holes in the dividers — depending on your box make the holes about 2-3 inches across. The holes need to form a clear and easy route from the bottom of the box to the top. Plants are clever but not THAT clever; they can’t grow through the cardboard.
Plant your seeds or beans in your little pot and water well (wet like a wet sponge).
Put your pot in the bottom of the box and shut the lid. If you see any cracks tape the lid to the sides of the box. There should be no light allowed except for what can get in through the tip top hole.
Place your box in a nice safe area that gets some sun each day.
Every three days open your box and re-water your plant.

Wait….

Beans grow pretty quickly. If you used other seeds the time may vary but eventually the plant will start to grow. Watch and see what path it takes upwards through your box maze.

My version of the plant maze graphics… I hope this makes sense. Remember, your box should have a lid. Technically during this experiment you won’t see your plant.

Questions to consider.

What makes the plant grow through the maze?
How does this relate to how tiny trees can survive in a forest of big tall trees that block the sunlight?
What will happen if your plant reaches the top?
Who is doing the bulk of the work — the tiny plant or the sunshine? Maybe it’s a team effort. How do all the different parts of the planet’s eco-system work together to make a maze like this work?

What other questions can you think of?

Kids… if you have success with this experiment send in some photos to be posted here at tree hugging family along with some thoughts on the process. Or even take it to your school or homeschooling events to show off.

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Great Summer Projects, Crafts, & Nature Activities for Kids…

Build A Plant Maze!