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 eighth 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:

• Growing Microgreens: (for ages PreK – 3rd grade) Learn a plant’s life cycle by growing your own microgreens and then harvest them for a tasty salad.
• The Science of Bubbles: (for all ages) How do bubbles form? What causes them to pop? Explore the world of bubbles. Make your own funky shaped wands, try to blow the biggest bubbles and poke them without popping them.
• What’s in a Seed?: (for all ages) Learn all about seeds and what they need to grow by making your own seed balls with flower seeds (sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos). Then plant them in your own garden or container, sit back and watch the magic.
• Wacky Weather: (for ages 4th grade and up) Make your own rain gauge and anemometer to record your local weather. Keep track of conditions in your journal to learn about climate versus weather.

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.