Grain testing in the classroom!

On Wednesday February 4, 2004, we visited the the third grade class of the TT day school in St. Paul, MN and gave a hands-on presentation on grain testing. We spoke about why Minneapolis became known as the "Mill City"---the St. Anthony Falls drove the flour mills hundred years ago. The students then looked at all sort of different grain and named them. It was hard to tell the difference between canola; yellow- and brown mustard. We worked with the Boerner divider and found out that it splits the grain in exactly two equal weights. The students enjoyed splitting the grain with the divider. At the end of our classs hour, we planted seeds in small pots. The students picked their seed of choice and will record when the plantlets emerge above the soil. We had a great time playing and learning!

Talking with the students about grain samples.

Students planting: water often since the pots are small!

Our previous activities: