Mai Lesson

Hidden Seeds, Future Food

Science · 30 min · Any age · You and your child together

This Spark explores the hidden life within common Thanksgiving fruits and vegetables. Families will act as 'seed detectives,' carefully extracting and observing the seeds, learning about their role in nature and the cycle of food.

What your child gets out of it

• Identify seeds within common fruits and vegetables.
• Explain the basic function of a seed as a beginning of a new plant.
• Compare and contrast different types of seeds based on their appearance.

What you need

• Small pumpkin or butternut squash — A small size is easier to handle. Ensure it's not pre-cut. (or Zucchini, Cucumber)
• Apple (or Pear, Tomato)
• Bell pepper — Any color bell pepper works well. (or Jalapeño (with caution), Orange)
• Small cutting board (or Plate, Sturdy placemat)
• Dull knife — For safe cutting, adult supervision required. (or Butter knife, Plastic knife)
• Small spoons — For scooping seeds. (or Fingers, Popsicle sticks)
• Paper towels — For collecting and observing seeds. (or Small plates, Napkins)

How it runs

1. Breakfast Table Wonders: What's Inside? · 5 min
2. Explore & Plan: Our Seed Hunt · 8 min
3. Discussion: The Secret of Seeds · 6 min
4. Activity: Seed Detective Lab · 9 min
5. Summary: Seeds for Our Future · 2 min