March 6-10, 2017
Can You
Guess What It Is? Avocado!
What is shaped like a pear, has skin like an alligator, has a big pit and is green on the inside? You've got it, it's an avocado! We learned all about the avocado, got to explore its texture, observed the pit, and tasted the delicious fruit inside. Yes, believe it or not, an avocado is considered a fruit!
Also known as an alligator pear (based on its pear-shape and the strange, alligator texture of its outer rind), the avocado is one of the healthiest fruits out there! Avocados are a good source of healthy fat, which helps your body to absorb other nutrients. For example, when you eat an avocado with carrots (a great source of vitamin A), your body is able to absorb a great deal more vitamin A than when carrots are eaten alone. They are also very beneficial for your skin, heart, eyes, brain, etc. What a super food! Read more about the health benefits of avocado here and here.
After we sampled the avocado, we prepared the pit/seed so that we can attempt to grow our very own avocado trees! I poked 4 bamboo skewers into the middle of the avocado seed, on a slightly downward angle. This will help to keep the seed out of the water, as only the bottom of the seed needs to soak, and the top must stay dry. With any luck, we should start to see roots sprouting soon!
After we sampled the avocado, we prepared the pit/seed so that we can attempt to grow our very own avocado trees! I poked 4 bamboo skewers into the middle of the avocado seed, on a slightly downward angle. This will help to keep the seed out of the water, as only the bottom of the seed needs to soak, and the top must stay dry. With any luck, we should start to see roots sprouting soon!
Super Sleuth Questions
1. What was in the "mystery bag" this week? (answer: an avocado)
2. What does the outside of an avocado look like? (answer: like alligator skin)
3. What did you find inside the avocado? (answer: a pit or seed) What will it turn into if you leave it in water? (answer: an avocado tree)
