Plants

We are on our last topical study for the school year. I can't believe we are almost done with our school year.

We started this study by reading what a plant is. Talking a little about the parts, how they take in water and explaining photosynthesis. My hubby had this great idea...I was having a hard time coming up with ideas, so he suggested doing an experiment on the the "sower" passage found in Luke 8. Here is how I prepared.

I took a toy bin that wasn't being used and set to work. I used 4 types of "soil."

I took sand from the sandbox representing the seed that fell on the path...

I used some lava rocks representing the seed that fell on rocky ground...

I used some weedy soil representing the seed that fell among the thorn...

I used our soil out of the garden here to represent the seed that fell among the good soil...

Next we went outside with a few seed packets and the bible. We read Luke 8: 1-15. We talked (a lot) about what the different soils represent. The sand (or path) grows nothing, birds steal the seeds away. Think about those who hear the word, but the devil snatches away. The rocks may grow something, but it won't have strong roots and dries up. So think about someone who says sure I believe in God, but they have no real faith. The weedy soil grows well at first, but thorns and weeds choke them. Think about someone who is a believer, but makes no time for God. Things of the world become more important. Finally, the good soil grows good, strong plants that mature and multiply. Think about someone who is a Christian and is committed to God and his way. They grow strong in the Word and produce fruit in others.

So after talking we took our seeds and planted them. I'm not sure anything will come up, because we planted these pretty early and they've been outside. I'm afraid with it being 30's overnight nothing will happen! We did this 2 weeks ago and I just asked both kids (separately) they could tell all about the soil representations. So even if nothing grows they hopefully won't forget the parable!