Seed Stories

Seed Stories

Designing a Seed Packet That Informs
Lesson: 7.7
Level:
Beginner
Station: Seed Saving Library
Format: Class Project
Rating:
Lesson 7.7 Seed Stories

Lesson Overview

Seed packets range from the boring to the inspired. They tell a story and convey important information. This lesson gives students an opportunity to design a custom seed packet of their very own.

Goals

  • Read a seed packet
  • Design a seed packet of their own

Outcomes

Students will design a custom seed packet that contains information about a specific seed in order to showcase their favorite vegetable.

Teaching Primer

 

Sample seed packetMost people take the design of the common seed packet for granted. But these little envelopes hold a wealth of knowledge that suggests, among other things, how deep to plant the seeds, how to space them, the common and botanical name, and the days it will take for the seeds to germinate.

And though they are small, seed packets also offer the perfect space for a little creative self-expression. Baker Creek Heirloom seeds have artistically styled packets while Johnny’s Selected Seeds are all business with no artwork at all.

Whatever your personal preference, the Students will have a blast telling their own seed story on a packet that they design from scratch for their favorite vegetable.

Teach the Teacher

Tools & Materials

  • Color pencils, Crayons, and markers
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Copies of DIY Seed Packet Design
  • Seed packets for reference

Vocabulary

  • Common name
  • Botanical name
  • Description
  • Company information

Method

Introduction (10 minutes)

Begin the lesson with a review of the various information printed on a seed packet. Review the fields that are included on the DIY Seed Packet Design template. Then ask the question “What is your favorite vegetable?”

Activity (20 minutes)

Each Student will design a packet for their personal favorite. Print out copies of the DIY Seed Packet Design and provide each Student with a copy. Using color pencils, Crayons, or markers, have the Students design their packet. Let them reference the commercial seed packet for inspiration and the important information that they will need to list on their packet.

In order to send seeds home with them in their custom designed seed packet, it might be helpful to set out all the seed packets you have in the Lab and ask them to name their favorite from the seeds available.

Discussion (10 minutes)

What is the most important information written on the packet? How does the packet information help the gardener grow the seeds? Is there any information that is not on the packet that you think should be listed?

Assessment (5 minutes)

Use the following questions to assess the Students before and after the lesson. Tally the responses of the group in the Assessment Tracking Log for comparison:

  • By a show of hands, how many of you know how to read a seed packet in order to grow that variety the right way?
  • Now that you’ve designed a seed packet, how many of you think you could read a seed packet and know how to plant any variety?

Related Lessons

Give the Intermediate or Advanced lessons a try now that you’ve completed the Beginner Lesson!

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