Sorting is a pre-math skill that children should begin to gain an understanding of during preschool. This activity helps children practice sorting and it also allows them to examine different types of seeds. Fill bowls or plates with different types of seeds; sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and watermelon seeds, for example. Lay out one each of the three different types of seeds and invite students to examine them. Ask them to note the differences in size, color and shape of the seeds. Once students are familiar with how the different seeds look, encourage them to sort through the seeds in the bowl and place them into matching piles.
Have students observe what happens when they plant a seed. Provide children with flowerpots and potting soil. Have them fill the pots with soil. Offer them seeds to plant and ask them to predict what they think will happen after they plant the seeds; write down their predictions. Have them plant the seeds and place them in a sunny spot. Instruct students to water their seeds each day and have them observe what happens to the seeds -- have them draw pictures that illustrate the changes that occur each day. Once the seeds begin to sprout, ask students to compare what actually happened to the predictions that they made. Allow students to take their plants home and plant them in the ground.
Children can get an up-close look at different types of seeds with this activity. Provide students with different types of seeds and magnifying glasses. Instruct students to use the magnifying glasses to examine the seeds. Have them use crayons or markers to draw pictures that illustrate the magnified seeds. Ask children to share their pictures and discuss how the seeds look different when they are magnified than how they look to the naked eye.
Allow children to explore seeds through this art project. Provide children with construction paper, glue and paintbrushes. Encourage children to use the paintbrushes and glue to draw a design on the paper. After drawing the design, have children glue different types of seeds on top of the glue. Model the steps of the activity for children before allowing them to do it on their own. While children are creating their art projects, they can examine the seeds' shape, color, size and texture.