Flower Pressing
Ages 3 and up (many 30-45 minute sessions)
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Objectives:
- To expand plant use knowledge by drying and using them in winter artwork projects
- To re-enforce plant part recognition concepts (flowers, leaves, roots, stem, etc.)
Materials:
- Collected flowers and leaves
- (4) 1”x10”x24” boards
- Drill and 1” spade bit
- Corrugated Cardboard
- Blotting paper or paper towels
- Newspaper
- Two old belts or straps, or heavy rope, at least 6 feet long
Set up:
Create a Swiss cheese appearance in all 4 of the boards by drilling holes approximately every 2” with the spade bit. Cut several pieces of cardboard and blotting paper 24” long. Have the children bring in newspaper.
Part One:
Have children pick flowers and leaves from the garden or during a field trip outside. Wildflowers, grasses and ferns dry well. Find a place in the classroom that the flower press can be left for two weeks. Lay two of the boards side by side on the two straps. (The straps will eventually be tied or buckled to hold the board newspaper sandwich together). * Put a piece of cardboard on the boards, then a piece of blotter paper or paper towels, then several sheets of newspaper. Have the children place their plant in between the newspaper pieces. Add a piece of blotter paper then a piece of cardboard. Continue from the * until the plants are all sandwiched. Put the remaining boards on top. Buckle or tie the sandwich together. Have a child sit on it when you are tying or buckling it to press it down firmly
Questions to ask:
- Talk about the parts of a plant: flower, stem, leaves, etc.
- What will we dry our plant for?
