I keep hearing about using Growing Spheres. What are they … how do they work … and where can I get them?
Growing spheres or cubes (hydrophilic water gel) are small polymers that have a strong affinity for water – like a sponge absorbing water. They swell to about 300 times their size from about 3 mm in diameter to about 2.5 cm (1″) in diameter. By placing a seed in the sphere, students can actually see the germination process taking place – something students cannot see when the seed is placed in a peat pellets. For 2011, it is suggested that teachers use only a few of the seeds to experiment with the growing spheres AS AN OPTIONAL ACTIVITY. The growing spheres are available from a number of sources. They can be purchased from stores that sell floral accessories … occasionally even in “dollar” stores. There are several educational suppliers as well who carry these spheres. Check with your science equipment supplier for your school or board.
