This week, we are beginning to explore seeds.  Since school opened, we have harvested seeds from beans and tomatoes, comparing fresh seeds to dry seeds.  Last week, we cut one of our sunflowers that had lost all its petals and saved it to examine this week.  We also pulled the seeds from the apples we had for morning snack (Thanks, Isa, Liz, and Gotz for the fresh, local produce!).

After our trip to the garden this morning, the whole crew came inside and, armed with magnifying glasses, we began to study the 3 seeds we had: winter beans, apple seeds, and sunflower seeds.  What color are the seeds?  What shape are the seeds?  Which seeds are bigger and which seeds are smaller? How do they look on the inside?  What do the seeds have in common and how are they different?

As we studied the seeds, the Tugboats practiced their observation skills.  They also took turns sharing the magnifying glasses.  As each child made an observation aloud, the other children practiced listening and learning from one another.  One of our friends made a wonderful observation about the apple seed:  “It’s like an oval, but with a pointy tip.”  Our conversation extended from seeds to shapes and vocabulary.

Later this week, we’ll talk about seeds’ jobs and compare those to our jobs in the classroom.  We’ll also try to sprout some of the seeds in a wet paper towel and plastic bag.  I’m looking forward to the many discoveries we’ll have this week!