Sock Walk Seed Hunt

What you need

• Rolled socks, 1 old sock per child
• Water, about 1 cup, plus a little each day
• Plate or tray, 1 tray or plate to put under the pot (optional)
• Plant pot, 1 with drainage holes
• Soil, 4 to 6 cups
• Clear cups, 1 cup or jug, for water

How to do it

Grown-up prep: Find an old sock for each child (big enough to stretch over a shoe), a pot with drainage, and some soil. Pick a grassy or weedy spot for the walk, and check kids for ticks afterward.

1. Pull an old sock over your shoe like a big fuzzy slipper.
   Ask: What do you think will happen when we walk through tall grass?
2. Walk slowly through the long grass or weedy edge of the park.
3. Stop and look at your sock. What got stuck on it?
   Ask: How many different kinds of hitchhikers can you spot?
4. Take off the sock and tuck the whole thing into the pot of soil.
5. Give the soil a good drink of water.
6. Put your pot in a bright spot and keep the soil damp.
7. Check your pot every day and see what pops up.
   Ask: What do you predict will grow first? How tall will it get?
8. Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
9. Now try another spot, or invite a friend! Whose sock will sprout the most?
   Ask: Where else could hitchhiking seeds be hiding?

Play it again

• Two spot showdown: wear socks in two different places, plant them in two pots, and see which grows more.
• Sprout detective: draw each new sprout and give it a silly name.
• Family walk: everyone wears a sock and see who collects the most hitchhikers.