Many farms are home to livestock and a variety of crops.
Farming is a versatile industry. Livestock, grains, fruits and vegetables are all grown on farms. Children can choose from many experiments to learn more about farming, the environment and animal life cycles. Farm-related experiments also provide children with an opportunity to visit a farm, which many of them may have never done.
Growing a Plant
Growing a plant from a seed is a simple, yet rewarding, experiment for children. Choose any type of seed that is conducive to the child's environment. If you live in an apartment with a window, choose something that is appropriate for growing indoors. If the child has access to an outdoor environment, choose a plant that is appropriate for exposure to the sun and the temperature in the area. Have the child read the instructions on the seed packet to learn the correct way to plant the seed and when and water it. The child then watches the seed grow into a plant. This is much like the experience of farming, but on a much smaller scale.
Caring for Animals
Cows, chickens, goats, horses and a myriad of other animals are raised on farms. While many children may not have the opportunity to raise a large animal, they may still experience what it is like to care for an animal in alternative ways. If it is possible, purchase a small pet for the child, such as a hamster, fish or reptile. Teach the child care for the animal correctly. Discuss how this relates to farming on a much larger scale.
Making Butter and Buttermilk
Children learn about milk and dairy products by making their own butter and buttermilk. Use any amount of cream or heavy whipping cream. For the traditional method, pour the cream into a jar, put the lid on tightly and shake the jar vigorously until a solid forms (reference 3). There will be some remaining liquid in the jar, which is buttermilk. This method takes some time and energy. For the quick method, pour the cream into a blender and beat until the butter separates. Squeeze out the remaining liquid with the back of a spoon.
Observing Differences in Fertilizer, Water and Light
Middle and high school students may choose to add additional variables to their plant growing experiments. Have them plant two or more seeds and vary the growth factors for each plant. For example, they may choose to study the effects of fertilizer on plant growth by adding varying amounts of fertilizer to some plants and no fertilizer to one plant. They may also choose to place one plant in direct sun, one in partial sun and another in shade. Another option is to vary the amount of water used for each plant. Only one factor should be manipulated per experiment to be sure of the cause of any changes in growth. This experiment determines the ideal growing conditions for their plants.
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