Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Plant these Flowers...

The Science Mommy has been busy with soccer and teaching, but it's really exciting to be back!

These flowers are fun and easy to make!  

Ages: All Kid Scientists can make these flowers...Little Kids may need help with the scissors

Materials:  Wildflower seeds, paper, scissors, wire, popsicle sticks or skewers, flour, water, ribbon

Procedure:
1.  Cut a large circle out of the paper...our paper started about 3" x 3".  This doesn't have to be a perfect circle but my youngest Kid Scientist had a tough time free hand so I drew a circle for him.

2.  Cut a spiral into the circle.  Each spiral will be one finished flower, so cut as many as you want.

3.  Prepare a paste using flour and water.  The Science Mommy didn't measure but there is about 1/4 cup flour and 2 or 3 tablespoons of water.  We created much more paste than we really needed.

4.  Lay the paper spirals on a cookie sheet or other mess-containing container.

5.  Using a finger cover the spiral with flour paste and then sprinkle the wildflower seed onto the paste.  Make sure the seeds are adhered to the paste. 

6.  Leave the paper flowers sitting out so that the paste has time to dry.  Make sure the paste is completely dry before moving on to the next step.



7.  Roll the paper spirals into paper flowers.  Use  tape to secure the spirals to each other as you roll.  Then push a wire stem (popsicle sticks or skewers would work as well) through the center of the paper flower.  Tie a ribbon under the paper flower if you'd like.  



 
7.  Arrange into a bouquet!  The paper flowers can be planted in a container or flower garden, the paper will decompose and the seeds will grow.  Make sure to remove the stem, tape and any other embellishment prior to planting.
Have fun with this project...the Science Mommy would love to see pictures of your seed flower bouquets.