Article

Crafts: Potpourri Science

Kids will love transforming discarded orange peels and spices into potpourri.

By  Jim Noonan
  • Grades: PreK–K, 1–2, 3–5, 6–8

Teach your students about dehydration, rehydration, and evaporation. They’ll also create a festive gift to bring home.

Watch Jim Noonan's video demonstration...
 


 

What you’ll need:
Fresh orange peel
Cinnamon sticks
Allspice berries
Whole star anise
Whole cloves
Bay leaves
Plastic freezer bag
Rubber band
Ribbon
Pine greenery
Tag (optional)

1  Tear orange peel into small pieces and place on paper towels. Cover with additional paper towels and set aside to dry completely, about 3–4 days.

2  Cut top, bottom, and sides off of freezer bag to create two sheets of plastic. Place small handful of orange peel in center of one sheet. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half; 12 allspice berries; 3 star anise; 6 cloves; and 2 bay leaves.

3  Draw up corners of sheet, twist, cinch, and secure with rubber band. Insert greenery and tie  with ribbon. To use, simmer in a saucepan with 2 cups of water until liquid evaporates.

  • Subjects:
    Arts and Creativity, Holidays and Seasonal Themes
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