Recycle an Old CD Case to Make a Plant View Window!

Wouldn’t it be cool to see inside of the soil while a plant is growing? You could watch the seed germinate and create a new seedling.

In this activity for propagation, you will create a seed viewing window so that you can watch a see grow and demonstrate your knowledge of plant parts!

With the help of an adult, you could have a SeeD case that looks just like this one!

  • 1 old CD case – The thicker CD case works better, but the smaller version can be used as well. (Ask neighbors if they have an old case that they would be willing to have you recycle!)
  • Soil – Preferably a soil that contains smaller particles so that CD case can shut completely
  • Seeds – Any seed can be used as long as it fits in your case. Seeds such as Squash provided good results.
  • Water
  • Tape
  • Paper towels or large towel
  • Cup

Soak your seeds in water for at least 24 hours. This is not a requirement for all seeds but it will break the seed coat and the seeds will grow faster.

Lay out all at materials on paper towels or towel and made sure that CD is clean and opened.

Place soil in cup and dampen the soil, be sure that soil is very damp so that seeds will get water.

Looking at the CD case from a sideways angle, place soil in bottom of CD case with hinges on top. Place enough soil that 1/3 of case is covered!

Place seeds evenly throughout soil and add a bit more water (Spray bottle is very helpful for this part)

Once your seeds have been watered, place two pieces of tape on either side of your SeeD Case!

Place your SeeD case in a window or outside to get light!

Don’t forget to water your seeds, the best way to do this is by dunking the soil end in a bowl of water or removing the tape and using a spray bottle!

Watch your SeeD case grow!

This could take a 1-2 weeks, be patient!

Using your knowledge of plant parts, labels the parts of your plant just as you saw in the example.

Once you have labeled your SeeD Case, show it to you JMG instructor! Make sure to explain what each part of the plant is!