Science Smarts: We must take care of our Earth, and we can do so in beautiful ways

By Patty Rooks on April 20, 2024.

Earth Day is fast approaching (April 22) and this is a great time to remember that we only have one Earth and it needs to last for MANY more years, so we all need to take a part in protecting it. This week’s activity will not only help us celebrate Earth Day but also help us welcome spring. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

– 4 packages of wildflower seeds

– Blender

– Several sheets of paper that you would recycle

– Scissors

– Water

– Baking sheet

– Mixing bowl

Procedure

1. Using the scissors, cut the paper into smaller pieces – so the blender can chop them up into quite fine pieces.

2. Place the cut up pieces into the mixing bowl.

3. Cover the pieces with water and allow them to soak for about ten minutes.

4. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the paper and place the paper in the blender.

5. Gently pulse the paper until it forms a “paper pulp”. NOTE: you may have to add a tiny bit of water in order for the blender to whiz it up.

6. Once the paper is all blended up into a nice soupy pulp (but not too wet), pour it back into the mixing bowl.

7. Sprinkle the seed packets over the paper pulp.

8. Mix together with your hands.

9. Form the paper/seed mixture into balls (or whatever shape you wish). Make sure they are not too big though as they will not dry properly.

10. Place your seed bomb on the baking sheet and allow them to dry

11. Once dry, go outside and plant the seed bomb in a nice big hole and water.

12. Patience.

13. Beautiful flowers will emerge!

What is going on?

Wildflowers are not only beautiful when they begin to bloom, but they are very important for our local ecosystem. Special insects called “pollinators” such as butterflies and bees rely on local wildflowers to live in and for food.

Local wildflowers can also help by preventing erosion and even blocking invasive weeds from growing and taking over the landscape.

Thank you for doing your part in contributing to a healthy ecosystem for Earth Day!

Patty Rooks, senior scientific consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community.” Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: 12 826 11th Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403-527-5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.

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