Birch Art and Science

                In late summer we collected some mature paper birch catkins (cone-like seed pods, technically flowers with no petals). Our plan is to plant a grove of birch to help stabilize the stream bank as we remove the invasive ivy.  Like many trees, birch seeds typically require cold stratification to break their dormancy. Each student designed a controlled experiment to see what factors influence germination rates. We must wait patiently for spring for most of the results. However,  after reading about an alternative method of germinating fresh seeds in water under bright lights, one student managed to sprout fall seeds in water. The germination rate of 4% isn't great, but three happy little seedlings are growing strong. (Can you spot them in the picture below?)  

                 We also brought birch trees into our art class. We used painter's tape to keep the trunks white while we made a watercolor background. Then we added details to the trunks. Some students experimented with shadows. Our resident preschooler explored a modern art rendition of the project.