Date: February 23, 1997

Grade Level(s): 5, 6

Subject(s):

• Science/Botany

Description: This is a fun, hands on activity for kids that they can continue at home. The students will plant and care for a tree seedling, designing it into a Bonsai.

With proper care Bonsai trees might last a long time. However, as with any living plant, there might be uncontrollable conditions that might affect the growth and success of the tree.

Goal: Students will understand the tradition of Bonsai trees and how they develop.

Objectives:

1. The students will correctly plant their tree in a pot they have previously decorated.

2. Students will care for their tree and fashion it after a Bonsai.

Background information:

This activity can incorporate many other subjects. Students will want to understand the traditions of the Bonsai. This can be done in a social study unit. They can look up further information on it and write a paper in reading and language class. In art students can decorate the bottom of a milk jug that will be used to pot their tree.

Concepts:

• Students will learn how to plant and care for a Bonsai tree.
• Students will explore the culture from which the Bonsai comes.

Materials:

• Sprouted trees
• Shallow container (plastic gallon milk jug)
• Potting soil
• Gravel
• Screen
• 20 gauge wire
• Sieve
• Knife for cutting jugs
• Water

Procedure:

1. Cut milk jugs so they are 3-5 inches deep.

2. Decorate milk jugs. (This can be done in art class.)

3. Cut drainage holes on the bottom of the jugs at the corners.

4. Cover drainage holes with pieces of screen.

5. Find sprouted seedlings. You might have to bring these in for the class. To save on cost you can usually find seedlings in the spring under trees. Maple, willow, pine, spruce or juniper would work. Find ones that are 6-9 inches tall. You can also buy them at a nursery.

6. Spread a thin layer of gravel over the bottom of the pot.

7. Add an inch of potting soil. (For evergreens use half soil and half sand or perlite.)

8. Place the seedling's roots on the soil.

9. Sift soil over the roots with a sieve.

10. Press the soil down gently around the roots, there can't be any air pockets around the roots.

11. Sprinkle water on your Bonsai until it runs out the drainage holes. After that, sprinkle lightly only when needed.

12. Keep it out of sun and wind until it gets stronger.

13. Wind covered 20 gauge wire around the trunk while it is young and easily bent. Shape it carefully, this will make the tree look old. Leave the wire on for several weeks until the tree gets the shape you want.

14. Tell your Bonsai how to grow by cutting off the twigs that head in the wrong direction.

Assessment:

Evaluate students' Bonsai to see it they followed the directions.