Little Botanists.

🌱 What is it about?

Place seeds between damp cotton in a glass jar and watch them grow day by day. A science and patience activity that teaches children about the life cycle of plants.

👶 Recommended age: 2–7 years
⏱ Estimated time: Over 2 hours (process takes days)
💪 Energy level: Low
💰 Approximate cost: Low

🛒 Materials needed

• Clear glass jar
• Cotton or absorbent paper
• Seeds (beans, lentils or peas work great)
• Water
• A spot with natural light

🛒 Seed germination kit
🛒 Seeds kit

🏠 Home alternatives

Don't have all the materials? No problem.

• Instead of a glass jar → use a clear plastic cup or a plastic bottle cut in half.
• Instead of cotton → damp paper towel works just as well.
• The easiest seeds to find at home are beans, lentils or tomato seeds.

📋 Step-by-step instructions

1. Place a layer of damp cotton inside the jar.
2. Place the seeds between the cotton and the glass so you can observe them.
3. Add a few drops of water every day to keep the cotton moist.
4. Place the jar near a window with natural light.
5. Watch together each day as the root appears, then the stem and finally the leaves.

💡 Extra ideas

• Keep an observation journal — draw or photograph the progress each day.
• Try different seeds and compare which one grows the fastest.
• When the plant is big enough, transplant it into a pot.

🎥 Example video

Watch tutorial