Maya’s Mysteries: Tiny Seeds
“I am, O my God, but a tiny seed which Thou hast sown in the soil of Thy love, and caused to spring forth by the hand of Thy bounty.”
—Bahá’u’lláh
What plant family has about 10,000 species and grows in nearly every habitat on Earth? If you guessed grass, you’re right! Did you know that grass includes corn, rice, and bamboo? Most types of grass seeds need sunshine, water, and soil. But they may need different amounts to flourish.
In a similar way, people are diverse in what helps us grow. Every day, you tend to the garden of your body, mind, and spirit. We may like different types of food and exercise to help our bodies and minds. Our spirits grow through things like our faith, sharing our virtues, and the love of our family and friends.
Pay attention to what brings you—and those around you—strength, peace, and joy. We can all reach for the sun and grow together in unity.
Explore the wonders of sprouting seeds and have fun with the activity below.
Make Grass Head Guys
You’ll Need: 9" (23 cm) piece of nylon stocking, jar about 2 ½" (6.4 cm) wide, scissors, wheatgrass or grass seeds, teaspoon, bowl, spoon, potting soil, thread, felt, tacky glue, water, wiggle eyes, pipe cleaners, plate (optional)
Step 1: Tie a knot at one opening of stocking. Trim excess fabric. Turn inside out, so knot is inside.
Step 2: Add two teaspoons of grass seed to stocking, spreading them evenly. Stretch stocking over jar so about 1" (2.5 cm) hangs over rim.
Step 3: Fill stocking with soil.
Step 4: Remove stocking and form into head shape. Tie stocking at base. For nose, pinch ½" (1.3 cm) of stocking with soil and tie with thread.
Step 5: Put head in jar. Decorate face and jar with felt, eyes, and pipe cleaners, using lots of glue. Let dry overnight.
Step 6: Put jar on plate, as needed. Water head and place in sunny spot. Water as needed. Empty excess water in jar. Watch grass hair grow in 1–2 weeks!*
*Tip: If roots start poking out of face, pinch and stretch nylon over roots.
For a printable version, download a PDF of this craft
Characters466 Maya118 Crafts201 Science183 Diversity124 Gardens31 Maya’s Mysteries94 STEM261 Experiments14 Celebrate44 STEAM43 STEAMS69 Openness39