Knee Nibblers

Water Circulation in Celery

2008-06-20T12:35:00.006+08:00

Here is a simple experiment for younger kids that allows them to see how water is absorbed and circulated through a plant. This works best with celery, queen anne's lace or a white carnation.

Simply fill a glass with water and mix in 8 to 10 drops of red food coloring. Place a stalk of freshly cut celery or a flower stem into the glass, with the leaves at the top out of the water. It is important that the plant has leaves since its circulation is powered by 'transpirational pull' or the breathing of the leaves.

After several hours you will begin to notice red marks on the leaves as the water is absorbed by the plant. Cut the celery to look inside. The 'strings' will be red and little red dots will appear on the base. Leave overnight to see the complete circulation of the food coloring.

Best of all, you can eat your experiment for lunch.

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The Octopus Hotdog

2008-06-14T20:37:00.003+08:00

Ok, I understand the 'octo dog' isn't the most nutritious snack, but kids are crazy for them, so what the heck. Not to mention, they're an easy way to bring a smile to a child's face.

What you need:

*A hot dog
*Sharp knife

Cut the bottom 3/4 of a hot dog into 8ths (using vertical cuts. Leave the top 1/4 intact.
Boil as you normally would, and voila! A culinary masterpiece.

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eggshell garden: Inspire your child's green thumb with science and craft projects

2007-11-30T01:37:00.006+08:00

What you need for an eggshell garden:

* An egg
* A ring cut from an empty paper towel roll to hold the eggshell or part of an egg carton
* 1/8 teaspoon alfalfa seeds or whatever plant you desire
* Fine tip markers

Use scissors or the tip of a knife to crack off the top 1/4 of the egg. Empty out the egg and pierce a drainage hole in the bottom with a pin or needle. Set the eggshell in the carton or a part of a paper towel ring and spoon in a seed-starting mix of soil. Use one or two seeds per shell, and follow the instructions on the seed package for proper planting depth (the general rule is to plant three times deeper than the size of the seed); Martha uses zinnias, nasturtium, and French marigolds. If you germinate two seeds, you can pinch out the less-healthy one after they begin to grow. To water, remove the shells from the carton, and mist, letting any water drain into a bowl. Place the tray in a sunny window.

For a more whimsical approach, draw faces on the eggshell with colored markers and plant alfalfa sprouts. The seeds will begin to sprout in about two or three days, and soon the egg man will be ready for a haircut.

These little guys make fantastic Easter gifts, or centerpieces for a table.