Education's Journey

Here we are, a week later. Well, actually its been 9 days since we first planted the specimens. This week we focused on the next step of the scientific process; collecting data to test the hpothesis. This week's data is informative, and suggests that the small pot without drainage probably wont make it.

Here's a picture of the basil plants.

Ok, so here's the data:

Plant A: is 3 inches tall, with 8 leaves and 1 full set.

Plant B: is 3 1/2 inches tall, with 21 leaves and 3 full sets.

Plant C: Sprout 1: is 2 1/4 inches tall, with 8 leaves and 1 full set.

Sprout 2: is 8 3/4 inches tall, with 46 leaves and 6 full sets.

It's time to harvest plant C!!! Yippee!!

Plant B's leaves are turning brown on the edges and a few have died off. It is still growing, but not very well.

Plant C hasn't grown much in height, but the leaves are sprouting like crazy.

Plant A isn't doing much.

From this first week we assume that the basil plants grow in spurts, either growing in height or producing leaves.

To keep the soil saturated, we have to water at least every other day. They remain in a south facing window 24 hours a day, and when it is warm we open the window for fresh air.

A short series of questions helped the kids identify the question (the first step to the scientific process), which is: Which pot will grow basil better, a small pot with no drainage, a medium pot with no drainage, or a medium pot with a drain hole?

Working with a 10 year old and a 6 year old can be fun and exhausting!! The hypothesis wasn't reached as easily. I asked questions like:

1. Which one do you think will grow taller?

2. Which one do you think will grow the most number of leaves?

3. Which will grow the most complete sets of leaves (groups of four for basil plants)?

4. Which will produce the largest harvest (anything over 2-4 full sets)?

5. And which will taste the best?

I'm not going to share their answers quite yet. I'd like to read what some of our readers think first. thought it would be fun to include you all in the experiment. We are going to measure and count growth once a week, and we'll post pictures at that time as well.

At the point of planting here are the data:

Plant A: 2 inches tall, 0 full sets of leaves, and a total leaf count of 7.

Plant B: 3 inches tall, 3 full sets of leaves, with a total leaf count of 36 leaves.

Plant C has two sprouts. sprout 1: 1 inch tall, 0 full sets, and a total leaf count of 6 leaves.

Plant C, sprout 2: 8 1/2 inches tall, 3 sets of full leaves; and a total leaf count of 35.

Plant A is in the medium pot with a drain hole. Plant B is in the pot with no hole and the smaller size. Plant C is in the same size pot as plant A, but with no drainage.

Stay tuned, and please let us know which plant)s) you think will do the best, and why!!:)

P.S. The title of this entry will take you to a site with information on indoor basil growing.

My mom is the most incredible resource scout I've ever known. Every once in a while she'll be in a curious mood and go searching for new places for my kids and I to explore. A couple weeks ago she found the Discount School Supply store. And now I will be forever indebted to her!!! I spent hours "shopping" and ended up finding a bag full of treasures.

I know this sounds a bit like an advertisement, so don't take my word for it, check 'em out. If I did it right, the title of this post should take to the storefront. We found a few things that my kids have been having a blast with. One of their favorites is this building kit. Check 'em out:


My fashionista had to impress us with her gown! She's now thinking of using these as a frame to design some dresses.



The hot air balloon never left the ground, but the kids excitment was sure soaring:)


It took the whole crew to build this house, but I finally got 'em all caged!!! lol

Keep up the scouting!! I'll be adding a valuable resource link list in the near future so if you have any to share, please email them to me so we can share them!!