Thursday, April 14, 2011

Balloon Terrarium

This is such a fun project! It can be done any time of year and can be a little messy but that is one of the things that makes it fun!  You can use this project to help teach about seed germination and gardening. Every child loves to see something grow!
Do try not get as much of the soil on the sides as I did.
What you Need:
Large Clear Latex Balloons (I found them at a party store)
Seeds of any kind, I used radish
Funnel with a large opening on the bottom and top
Balloon Pump
1/2 cup measuring cup
Potting Soil
Water 
 First blow up the  balloon, let the air out. 
It will expand the balloon and makes it easier to get the soil in.
Put funnel in neck of balloon, carefully put in 1/2 cup potting soil. Add a little at a time and use your fingers to poke it down the neck of the balloon. Slowly pour in 1/4 to1/3 cup water. The water needs to be absorbed by the soil, so go slow. Before taking out the funnel put in 4-8 seeds. Take out funnel. Using the balloon pump, carefully blow up your balloon. Tie a knot in the end, using ribbon hang your balloon up in a sunny window. It should take the seeds 5-7 days to sprout. The balloon can be popped and you can plant the seedlings. Or just see how long the plant will live. The plants in the balloon will die because you are unable to add more water and there is not enough soil. 
I will be sharing this to these blog parties: Gold Star Wednesday, 

8 comments:

  1. I love this! They look great in the window too! Stopping by from Fun For Kids Friday!

    Kerri

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such a fun idea! I think I'd have a hard time keeping my littlest away from the balloon once it was "planted" though. Hmmm.... But my 4 year old would just love this! Thanks for hte inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is really cool! I've never heard of this before, but it looks like so much fun.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That is a very neat idea!

    I'd love to have you share this at my For the Kids link party!! Stop on by and join the fun!

    http://sunscholars.blogspot.com/2011/04/for-kids-friday-7.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great idea! Kids would love this project! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, this just resurrected the el ed science teacher in me! Great project idea!

    If you have a moment today, please share this with my readers @Creative Juice Thursday Hope to see yours among all the amazing projects!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I did this today with the students from our Summer Reading Program. We had so much fun and they look beautiful in the windows! Only thing is, next year I'll be doing it ourside.

    ReplyDelete