Making a Light Reflector - Gardening Guides for Students + Teachers + Organic School Gardens ` For more information, Please see websites below: ` Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ` Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ` Free School Gardening Art Posters http://scribd.com/doc/239851159` ` Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ` Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ` City Chickens for your Organic School Garden http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ` Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide http://scribd.com/doc/239851110

1. A13 Making a light reflector
Since light only comes from one direction on a windowsill, plants tend
to stretch towards the light, especially seedlings.To prevent this, make
a simple cardboard reflector covered in shiny aluminium foil to evenly
reflect light so seedlings grow straight.
Resources
Cardboard
on
• enough for box that will fittraysto the window ledge and wide
pots and seed
• Plastic sheet
• Aluminium foil
• Sticky tape or glue
Activity
1 Follow instructions on the next page for building a light reflector,
adapting the design to suit your available resources and size of
windowsill.
2 Experiment with a range of seedlings and vegetable crops.
Health &
Safety
Younger children will require adult help if using scissors.
Further
information
A18 Sowing seed
See also Health and Safety Guidelines (Section B3.3)
B4.7 Growing on a windowsill
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2. Instructions for making a windowsill light reflector
1
2
3
Materials for one reflector
Cardboard box
Plastic bag
Aluminium foil
Sticky tape or glue
•
•
•
•
Take a cardboard box and cut off the top so it
is around 15-20cm tall (this height suits trays of
seedlings).
Alternatively, fold a cardboard sheet in half to
create an ‘L’ shape and tape separate diagonal
supports to hold cardboard in place.
P
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P
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On the front side of the box, measure 3-4cm up
from the base and draw a straight line across.
P
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4
Draw a diagonal line from the top of the new
front edge to the top corner at the back of the
box.
P
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2

3. 5
Carefully cut along these lines.
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6
Line the base and sides of the box with plastic
and use sticky tape or glue to secure.
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7
Line the base and sides of the box with
aluminium foil, shiny side showing, again using
sticky tape or glue to secure.
P
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8
Place your finished light reflector on a
windowsill and start growing!
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