Isn’t it fantastic to know that University of Illinois Extension provides take home kits that inspire children to learn? The kits are developed for children and provide teachers, parents and caregivers an easy way to engage their children in meaningful learning experiences about the world around them.

Created by Extension professionals as well as Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers, each kit contains materials, complete instructions and tips for engaging students in the activities. Four new kits are developed each quarter for children ages pre-school through eight grade. The new kits, as well as all past lessons for prior kits, can be found online.

Wendy Ferguson, horticulture program coordinator said, “We are excited to be able to continue the program with four brand new kits designed to embrace the spring season. The take home kits provide fun activities for children of all ages, and the response the past two quarters has been fantastic!”

The four kits offered this quarter are:

• Helping Pollinators: (for all ages) Plant your own marigold and then observe who visits the flowers. Participate in a citizen science project collecting data on pollinators. 
• How to plants breathe?: (for all ages) Conduct a series of experiments with leaves to find out if plants breathe. Learn about the process of transpiration and the relationship between plants and humans breathing.
• Plant Parts: The Roots: (for all ages) Learn the different types of roots and how the plant uses them. Make your own "grass head" to study the roots up close, and just have fun giving your grass head a haircut.
• Will it float?: (for ages PreK – 3rd grade) Learn all about buoyancy by building your own boat made out of recycled materials. Experiment with other items to see if they float or sink.

Order your kits online today. Pick up is available at the Extension offices in Galesburg, Macomb, Monmouth, and Stronghurst. Quantities for the take home kits are limited. To learn more, contact Wendy Ferguson, horticulture program coordinator.

SOURCE: Wendy Ferguson, Horticulture Program Coordinator, Illinois Extension

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.