Seed Stats

Activity Overview

The acts of sorting and classifying involve separating objects into groups according to their similarities. This means that while a child is noticing what makes objects similar, they are also noticing differences. When a child compares two objects, they focus on attributes, and whether the objects have more or less in common. Classifying and sorting activities help young children develop their burgeoning critical thinking skills and establish the foundations for later, more complex, problem-solving.

**Important to note and PLEASE DISCUSS: some seeds are edible and some are not (like citrus, mango, stone fruit…). If there is a risk for eating the seeds, select only edible seeds. At the same time, be aware of each student's food allergies**

What You Need

• Seeds from a variety of produce. Try to gather 10 seeds from each food. Suggestions include: peppers, squash, apples, cucumber, watermelon, sunflowers, peas, soy beans, pomegranate seeds, and pine nuts.

Steps

1. Together with the student, collect the seeds for the activity and consider what seeds are and where they are found (inside plants and vegetables) Why could this be? What kinds of connections can the student make (for example, babies grow inside mommies)

2. Once you have gathered all your seeds, explore similarities and differences among the groups of seeds.

3. Choose one type of seed and make two piles of three. Ask, “Which has more?” Discuss that they are the same, and each pile has three seeds, they are equal amounts.

4. Choose two piles of seeds that are different in size. Make two piles of three. Ask, “Which has more?” Explore why they have the same amount, even though one pile looks bigger (because the seeds are physically larger). Both piles are equal amounts.

5. Continue comparing types of seeds. Try with different seeds, make piles of five or 10 and compare.

Guiding Questions

• What do the seeds have in common? What is different?

• Which seeds are hard? Which are softer? Why are they different?

• Can you sort them by color? By size? By texture? By shape?

Extensions

• Seeds can be planted, added to a sensory bin, or included in a recipe when finished.

• Use seeds to create simple addition or subtraction story problems.

• Make groups of the same (or different) seeds, try to skip count by twos, or fives, or tens.

• Research which seeds grow the largest plants.