This is a fun, inexpensive project to do with the kids at home. You’ll find that it covers a few different areas, including art, gardening, and nutrition. It’s cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The kids can use their imagination to create their ‘egg people’ and give the faces all different expressions. When the kids grow eggheads they’re also learning the lifecycle of our food supply. Food that is grown, and not sitting in the pantry.
What you’ll need
- Eggshell halves
- Coloured markers (permanent are best because they won’t run)
- Soil (seed raising is the best)
- Water sprayer
- A sharp object like a pin to make a drainage hole
How to grow eggheads
Step 1
Collect eggshell halves from breakfast and wash any remnants of egg. Crack them towards the top so you have lots of space for the soil. Remove the inside lining of the shell. You can do this by simply rubbing it with your finger. Let them dry. Then gently make a hole in the bottom so the water can drain through and not collect. Twist your pin and it will eventually break through the shell. Try not to push it, or it will crack.
Step 2
Grab your permanent markers and start giving the shells some facial expressions. The eggheads can attend different gatherings. It could be a wedding, a party, a girls ‘ pajama party, etc. Have a conversation with the kids before you start to spark their imagination.
Step 3
Now let’s get the body ready. Grab your cardboard toilet rolls and make the body all different heights by cutting them to size. The kids can also create outfits on the body by drawing shirts, shorts, or adding a tie, etc.
Step 4
Use seed-raising mix for the soil mix. If you don’t have that, then use what you can, just don’t pack it firmly. They will still grow if they’re looked after. Fill the heads with soil and balance them on the cardboard body. Leave a space at the top to add some soil over the seeds of choice.
Step 5
Choosing seeds is up to you, however, we’ve always found that the best seeds are microgreens because they grow fast and look amazing. You can use cress, watercress, grass seeds, or any of the huge range of microgreen seeds. These are readily available online or in-store and relatively cheap. Microgreens are packed full of nutrients and can be cut and sprinkled on pizza, salad, or even scrambled eggs.
Step 6
Cover the seeds with a light dusting of soil and lightly spray with a water spray bottle. Do this daily, and in just a few days, your seeds will emerge. Leave them on the windowsill out of direct light, but where they can enjoy filtered light. Don’t let them dry out in the direct sun.
Eggheads will be a hit with kids up to about 12 years old. They’re a great project for a rainy day or if you need to stay inside. Let the kids use their imagination and creative energy to grow their own special egghead family. Want more creative ideas and ways for the kids to play inside? What about a Garden Craft Journal, or make some Bird Seed Ornaments?
