Mrs. Fein's 2nd Graders Celebrate Earth Week

Yesterday Mrs. Fein's 2nd graders celebrated Earth Week by planting seeds in egg cartons. We discussed that they were reusing the egg cartons and thus not planting the seeds in pots that we purchased.  The egg cartons will decompose in the soil once they are planted.

The class theme for the week was Protecting the Earth's Resources.

We used a Scrapkins project that showed directions for planting in the egg cartons. Each child planted in half of the carton. They chose between corn, beans and lettuce seeds. Each child picked six seeds. When there are three sets of leaves the children can plant the seeds in a pot or in the garden. Before planting they should let the seedlings sit outside for a few hours three days before-but not in direct sun. When planting, they should make sure the carton is really wet and that there are big holes at the bottom so the roots can grow down. All of the carton should be covered with soil when planting. Make sure to fertilize the soil.

We also discussed composting. Ms. Marie brought in samples of the items that she composts. The students also offered suggestions. Browns are items from trees such as paper, leaves, bark and small twigs. Greens are fruit and veggie scraps and egg shells. Scraps include s lettuce, coffee grounds, apple cores.  This is a way to create fertilizer for the soil. At Marquez we have both a worm bin and a tumbler composter. Ms. Marie showed off some red wriggler worms that live in the worm bin.