Take a Trip: Visit an apple tree in blossom. Observe the apple tree throughout the year. How does it change?

Activities:

1. Sprout apple seeds. All apple seeds except red and yellow Delicious will work. Dry apple seeds for 1–2 weeks. Place a dampened paper towel into a sealable plastic bag. Place the seeds in the bag so that they rest on the paper towel. Place the bag in the freezer for two months. Then take the seeds out of the freezer and plant them in approximately one inch of potting soil. Use a planter that has good drainage. Place in a warm and sunny spot and water regularly.
2. Find the “magic star” inside an apple. Place the apple sideways on the cutting surface and cut through the middle. (For safety, only an adult should do the cutting.) Separate the two halves. On each half you will see a five pointed star.
3. You can preserve your “magic stars” by making thin cuttings from the center of each apple and allowing these to dry in the classroom. Do any other fruits have magic stars? Do all varieties of apples have stars? Do the stars always look the same?