ACTIVITY

Seed Bombs – Growing a School Garden for Biodiversity

The students create seed bombs using natural materials and suitable seeds, then decide how these can be used in the school garden to enrich biodiversity and support future food production.

The intention is to raise awareness of how school gardens can contribute to local food production and biodiversity, and to encourage students to take practical action for a sustainable future.

1

1. Introduction – Why a school garden matters (10 min)
Class discussion Seed Bombs – Growing a School Garden for Biodiversity): “What can we grow in a school garden and why is it important?” Link biodiversity ↔ pollinators ↔ food.

Watch some videos together about the importance of school gardens and pollinators.

Video 1: Why Gardening Is Important?

Video 2: The Benefits of School Gardens

Video 3: The Importance of School Gardens

Video 4: The Critical Importance of Pollinators

 

2

2. Demonstration – Making seed bombs (10 min)
Demonstration on Seed bombs – instuctions: written recipe (clay + compost + water + locally suitable seeds) and one sample.

3

3. Hands-on – Create seed bombs (25 min)
Groups mix, roll 2–3 cm balls, place on trays to dry. Label each batch with seed type.

4

4. Mini-inquiry – Seed research (20 min)
Each group chooses one seed used in their bombs and researches:

  • Name & type (vegetable/herb/pollinator mix), origin/seasonality
  • Growing needs (sun, soil, spacing, watering; sowing → germination → harvest time)
  • What part we eat & uses in meals (fresh, cooked, tea, seasoning)
  • Why it matters (nutrition highlights / supports pollinators / easy for school gardens)
5

5. Create a brochure (20 min)
Groups make a 1-page Seed brochure template – our plant (A4, digital or paper):
Title, Photo/drawing, Quick facts box (growing needs + timeline), How to use in food, Sustainability tip (e.g., companion planting, water-wise care). Display in class or garden shed.

6

6. Conclusion (5 min)
Gallery walk of brochures + quick share: “One new thing I learned about our plant.”

Sum up: small, informed actions in school gardens = more biodiversity & healthy food.

Didactic tips:

  • Variation: If time is short, prepare the mixture in advance and let students only roll and decorate seed bombs.
  • Differentiation: Younger students focus on herbs and vegetables, older students discuss pollinators and invasive species.
  • Progression: Next lessons can include planting days, watering schedules, or measuring plant growth.
  • Combination: Link to lessons on food waste composting (using compost in the mixture) or healthy eating (herbs/vegetables grown from seed bombs).
  • Extension: Students can run a “seed bomb campaign” to promote biodiversity at home or in their community.
GreenComp: food, school garden, biodiversity
You must be logged in to use this feature.
EngageCreateAct
THEME:
Food & beverage
TIME: 90 minutes
AGE: 10-12 years, 13-15 years

SUBJECTS:

  • Nature sciences
  • Social studies
  • Arts

TOOLS / MATERIALS:

  • Clay powder or natural clay soil
  • Compost or potting soil
  • Water in bowls
  • Native vegetable, herb, or pollinator-friendly seeds (depending on local context)
  • Bowls, spoons, trays
  • Protective gloves and aprons (optional)
  • Poster paper / flipchart for reflection
  • Pens and worksheets
  • Devices/library books for quick research (other)
  • Seed brochure template (worksheet) – Name/Type • Growing needs • Timeline • Uses • Why it matters • Sustainability tip

METHODS:

RESOURCES: