Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns

Ever wonder where trees come from? Many of our giant trees grew from tiny acorns. An acorn (or seed) contains a tiny tree called an embryo. Food is also stored inside the acorn to nourish the young tree. When the embryo emerges from the acorn, this is called germination.

Acorns grow from oak trees and fall on the ground. Together with sunlight, water, air and the stored food inside the acorn, the little tree germinates and starts to grow. As the young tree grows up, the roots grow down into the soil. In a short time, little stems and leaves form. When it rains, the little tree starts to grow bigger and taller. The sunshine and air help the tree make its food so it can become big and strong.

                            Growing Together with Trees

Supplies Needed:

• Acorns from Oak Trees around your neighborhood.

• Small Styrofoam Cup or a 4 inch pot

• A Pencil

• Potting soil

• Water

• A Pie Tray or Saucer

1. Collect acorns from a Oak Tree

2. Using your pencil, poke a hole in the bottom of the Styrofoam Cup. If you have a 4 inch pot, it should already have a hole at the bottom.

3. Fill the Styrofoam cup with the potting soil.

4. Place the acorn on top of soil covering it half-way.

5. Place the Styrofoam cup on the Pie Tray or Saucer so water can drain.

6. Water your acorn for at least once a week. Do not allow the soil to dry out.

7. Set your acorn outside in a safe place or on a window ledge so it can get plenty of sunlight.

Watch your little tree grow. You should notice a stem appearing in just a few weeks!

back to top