A hands-on botanical science craft that lets children observe seed germination through transparent plastic walls with built-in automatic watering.
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Cut a clear 1-liter water bottle horizontally in half, about 4 inches below the bottle neck.
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Poke a 1/4-inch drainage hole through the center of the bottle cap using an awl or drill.
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Thread a 6-inch strand of 100% thick natural cotton yarn through the cap, knotting it so half hangs below and half sits inside the funnel.
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Screw the cap on and invert the top funnel into the bottom base cup.
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Fill the bottom reservoir with fresh water and pack the upper funnel with potting soil.
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Plant fast-germinating seeds (chia, beans, or grass seeds) in the soil.
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The cotton yarn draws water upward into the root zone automatically, allowing children to watch roots spread through the clear plastic.
