When I teach about living versus nonliving I love to incorporate this easy DIY activity of planting with kids. Planting with kids is such a great hands-on activity for students and it can be done in the spring or the winter.
This activity and lesson is great for students of all ages, but I would reccomend Pre K – 5th grade. We’ll be using recycled containers like milk cartons and egg carts to help support plant growth and show how nonliving objects can play a role in helping living things thrive.
Science is all about curiosity!
We’ll use this DIY activity planting with kids to encourge students to explore the world around them by observing nature, ask questions, and use these everyday objects in creative ways.
You’ll want to first introduce the concept of living and nonliving things.
How to determine if something is a living thing? Here are some questions your students can ask:
- Can it grow?
- Can it move?
- Can it breathe?
- Does it need water to surive?
- Can it reproduce?
- Does it need food to survive?
- Can it die?
- Does it respond to it’s environment?
This video is great resource for teaching younger students (Pre K – K) about the concept of living and nonliving things:
I love this video for elementary students! It challenges the question what makes something alive?
Based on the criteria above, we know that plants are living things!
Plants grow and move (even if it’s very slow), plants reproduce, need water and food, and respond to their environment.
This planting with kids activity can help students understand the difference between living and non living things because they will be able to identify the different elements of the activity and determine whether it is living or non living.
Reusing cartons and containers for this planting with kids activity also makes it a great idea to do during spring or for Earth Day!
With this acitivity students will be able to:
- learn about the importance of plants
- identify living and non living componets
- explain the difference between living and non living things
- understand that plants need nutrients, air, water, light, and a place to grow
Examples of Living versus Non Living
Here are some examples to ask your students. Have them tell you where each of these are living or non living.
Ask students: are these examples of living or non living
- Tree
- Rock
- Flower
- Grass
- Table
- Pencil
- Dog
- Book
- Cat
- Bird
- Fish
- Cup
- Butterfly
- Toy
- Earthworm
- Bike
- Ant
- Scooter
- Frog
- Your friend
- Clock
- House
- Car
- Mushroom
- Baloon
- Horse
- Spoon
- Bee
- TV
- Snail
- Computer
- Cactus
- Sunglasses
- Squirrel
- Chicken
- Paper
Can You Grow Plants in Milk Cartons?
- Explain how milk cartons, egg cartons, and boxes can act as small planters for growing seeds.
- Discuss the benefits of using recycled containers—cost-effective, eco-friendly, and easy for kids to decorate.
- Mention any potential challenges (e.g., making sure there are drainage holes so the seeds don’t get too wet).
Here Are the Best Types of Seeds for This Activity:
These are great because they provide a quick reward for students. Not only do they grow quickly, they also do not rquire a lot of maintainence.
- Beans
- Sunflowers
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Marigolds
- Peppers
How to Start Seeds in a Milk Carton
Materials Needed
- Empty milk cartons
- Scissors
- Soil
- Seeds
- Water
- Markers or stickers for decorating
Planting With Kids Instructions For Seeds In a Milk Carton
- Cut the top off the milk carton to create an open planter.
- Poke a few small holes in the bottom for drainage.
- Fill with soil, leaving some space at the top.
- Plant the seeds according to the seed packet instructions.
- Water lightly and place in a sunny spot.
- Observe daily, watering as needed, and watch for sprouts!
How to Start Seeds in an Egg Carton
Materials Needed
- Empty egg carton
- Soil
- Seeds
- Water
- Tray or plate (to catch water)
Planting With Kids Instructions For Seeds in an Egg Carton
- Fill each egg cup with soil.
- Plant one or two seeds in each section.
- Lightly water the soil.
- Keep in a warm, sunny spot and water regularly.
- Once the seedlings are big enough, you can transfer them into a garden or larger pot.
How to Start Seeds in a Cardboard Box
Materials Needed
- Small cardboard box (such as a shoebox) or a box from a small package
- Parchment paper (to prevent leaks)
- Soil
- Seeds
- Water
Planting With Kids Instructions For Seeds in a Carboard Box
- Line the inside of the box with parchment paper.
- Fill with soil and spread evenly.
- Plant seeds according to instructions.
- Lightly water and place in a warm, sunny spot.
- Observe and care for the seedlings as they grow.
Additional Activities For Planting With Kids:
- Track plant growth by drawing your predictions
- Write about your experience in a garden journal
- DIY plant labels with popsicle sticks. You can even make up a name for yoru seedlings
- Compare how seeds grow in the egg carton versus how seeds grow in the milk carton. Which grows the fastests?
- Place some seeds near the window and some seeds under light. Which grows the fastest?
- Talk about how the nonliving containers are helping the living plants grow.
I hope this post helps you with your DIY activity of planting with kids!
These activites are such a great way to teach kids about living and nonliving things. Understanding the difference between living and nonliving things helps kids see the world in a more realistic way.
Remember, living things can grow, change, and need food and water to survive! Non living things do not – but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t important!
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