Wildflower seed bombs - practical approaches using all three sciences

A Vision for Sustainability

This project was initiated by the pupils' ideas and interest in trying to promote more biodiversity and sustainable practices into our school community. From initially a very small question, the science lesson ‘snow-balled’ into an engaging and innovative STEM project aimed at transforming recycled materials into a vibrant habitat for wildflowers as well as creating a wonderful place to live for a variety of different animals. 

It all started with the repurposed tennis balls adorning the chairs in the school’s science lab and a question from the Year 6 pupils on how they could apply their knowledge of science to create out of school waste something environmentally more useful and sustainable just like the repurposed tennis balls on the bottom of the chairs.

The project drew its foundation from the concept of a circular economy, encouraging  the pupils to rethink waste and embrace recycling. When faced with a towering "mountain" of recycled paper in their school, the girls brainstormed how to repurpose this material more creatively. 

These thoughtful inquiries sparked a wave of enthusiasm among them as they embarked on a mission to craft wildflower seed bombs, aiming to enrich the local ecosystem.

Science Meets Creativity

The project encompassed various scientific disciplines, each contributing to the overall goal of designing effective seed bombs. The pupils meticulously worked to develop the perfect formula for creating robust seed bombs. They tested different types and sizes of paper, different amounts of wildflower seeds and perfected the consistency of the mulch, iterating their designs until they identified the most effective blend.

Studying the life cycle of the wildflowers they planted, they created "Pollinator Top Trump" cards, showcasing the importance of the plants and their role in supporting various animal species. Through their research the girls recognised that wildflower meadows are critical habitats that foster biodiversity.

Looking at how to distribute the seed bombs more effectively, the girls designed wind dispersal devices. They engaged in hands-on experimentation to determine which design was best suited for carrying the bombs across a larger area. They explored physics principles related to wind dynamics, bringing their ideas with great enthusiasm to life in the school grounds.

The culmination of this project resulted in the creation of a compelling leaflet advertising the newly planted school wildflower meadow. The pamphlet was cleverly designed to persuade local fauna—birds, bees, and butterflies—of the advantages of relocating to this flourishing habitat. Students artfully combined their artistic skills and persuasive writing techniques to make a case for biodiversity within their community.

In a stride toward entrepreneurship and community engagement, the students also sold their seed bombs, enabling them to reinvest in further environmental initiatives while spreading awareness about sustainability.

With this project the pupils not only learned to appreciate the critical relationship between science and sustainability, but they also took actionable steps to protect their local environment and spread awareness. Their creativity and innovation reflect a promising future, demonstrating that young minds can make a significant impact in the fight for biodiversity - one seed bomb at the time!