How to make ladybird clay seed balls

RHS School Resource
Inspired by the ancient Japanese practice of Tsuchi Dango or ‘earth dumpling’, use compost and clay with large seeds, e.g. nasturtium or sunflower, to make these simple ladybird clay seed balls.

By The RHS School Team

Ladybird clay seeds

Quick facts

Learning objectives:

Support fine motor skills through molding clay and compost into ladybird shapes

1

Understand the process of seed germination through hands-on creation of seed balls

2

Explore symmetry in nature

3

Art & Design: Enhance creativity and fine motor skills through sculpting and decorating seed balls

4

Science: Investigate plant life cycles by observing seed germination from the seed balls

5

Mathematics: Apply concepts of counting and symmetry in the placement of ladybird spots

6

Key vocabulary

Introduction

This activity is well suited to younger pupils and could be linked to maths topics such as counting, symmetry or the two times table, as well as being a fun way to develop fine motor skills and plant seeds in your garden.

Step by step

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1. Use a mister to moisten the soil

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2. Mould the soil into a ball

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3. Flatten the ball of soil between your two palms

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4. Carefully open the packet of seeds

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5. Start with two spots on the ‘pronotum’ (the area behind a ladybird’s head)

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6. Use a stick or the end of an old pencil to mark the wings and the ‘pronotum’

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7. Establish that spots on its wings are usually symetrical and press seeds into each wing

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8. Once you have finished your ladybird, it is ready to throw outside on some bare soil. The seeds should germinate next spring