In grade nine, I failed biology by 1%. I didn’t fail because I refused to dissect a frog. I failed because I had a hard time wrapping my creative mind around all the topics. The only topic I understood rightly was photosynthesis. Given the time of year it is, there are so many possibilities about teaching kids about photosynthesis!

Photo = greek word for light
Synthesis = greek work for putting things together

I guess it doesn’t come as much of a surprise, I now excel at gardening. Not only is photosynthesis a neat process, it produces veggies and flowers that are a tangible thing for kids to see, touch, feel and eat!

Activities To Try

Plant Your Own Mini-Greenhouse

Jiffy makes a terrific 12 package small seed carton which is simple to pick up at your local garden centre or retailer. If you’re in the mood for upcycling, I find 2L bottles with a flap cut in them, or a roasted chicken container work well as as a terrarium too. We ended up planting all 12 with Cubits Seeds – an edible flower, Jewel-Toned Nasturtium Mix.

Talk about the water cycle that happens in the mini-greenhouse and how plants are absorbing water, and it’s being expelled as oxygen. A sunny window ledge will show that moisture & air start to bead on the top lid quickly. 

Bean in a Cup

Grab a seed that will germinated quickly (think bean, pea or grass). Crumple up paper towel and add water. Water seed daily as it starts to grow! Talk about what the essentials are that plants need to grow (sunlight, moisture, heat and a little air).

More Science Shows to Stream on Netflix

1. The Magic School Bus Gains Weight** Our favourite was S1, E11 about planting.
2. Fetch! with Ruff
3. Animal Mechanicals, Balloon Volcano Island
4. Sid the Science Kid