Peanuts are usually associated with U.S. agriculture; however, peanuts grow in other parts of the world, too. Give children a large map of the world and ask them to color in the countries that grow peanuts. Besides the United States, these include China, India and Senegal. In addition to coloring the map, children can glue peanuts to it to outline the countries in which peanuts grow.
Many children have to deal with a peanut allergy. For these children, knowing what's in their food is important; however, other children might not realize what it's like to live with an allergy. Divide children in groups, and give each group a food allergy to study. For instance, one might study peanuts and one could study eggs. Have each group make a poster with a picture of the food and a list of foods that contain the allergen, so they can know what to avoid if they are around a friend with allergies. For instance, peanuts can be found in mixed nuts and in foods fried in peanut oil.
Children can grow a peanut plant to help them see how peanuts grow. Though they will not likely be able to grow peanuts, they can see how the stems and blooms grow. Give each child a small pot and fill it with soil, leaving about an inch of free space at the top. Students should plant three raw peanuts in the soil, about an inch apart. If they place the pots in a warm, sunny location and water them regularly, the plant will sprout in five to eight days and bloom in about 45 days.
Children are used to eating peanut butter, but might not know the ingredients of their favorite food. Have children read the ingredients label on a jar of peanut butter, then they can help you make edible peanut butter play dough. Mix equal parts peanut butter and dry nonfat milk. Give children cookie cutters and have them make shapes out of the play dough. Ask them how the texture of peanut butter differs from actual peanuts. Children can eat the play dough shapes when they're through.