This project will show you and your students how to make their own personal seed planter. In terms of standards, the objectives for this project is that students will be able to develop an understanding of and be able to select and use agricultural and related biotechnologies (STL 15). The students will reach sub-objective E, many processes used in agriculture require different procedures, products, or systems.

Students will reach the understanding of these standards through the process of building this seed planter. The seed planter is an agricultural tool that will show students how seeds are planted on a small scale, and how important a device like this was before large scale tools were developed. The purpose of the seed planter is to create a hole in the soil and allow the user to plant a seed by placing in the top of the PVC pipe and plant the seed with the turn of the slip-ball valve.

Following along this instructable, students will understand the use of agricultural tools and how important they are to sustain human life.

Supplies

For this project, you will need the following equipment:

(3) - 1" PVC Pipe (I recommend buying extra in case you run into some problems)
(2) - 1" Slip Ball Valve PVC Pipe
(4) - #10 x 2 - 1/2" Flathead Phillips Screws
(2) - 2" x 4" Treated Wood Blocks
PVC Primer (all-weather)
Miter Saw
Hand Saw
Hand Drill
Clamp on Bench Vise
Sandpaper
Ruler
Pencil

Step 1: Drill Holes in PVC Pipe

In order to drill holes into PVC pipe it is highly recommended that you clamp down the PVC pipe to the table and/or a piece of wood.
When using the drill, you want to apply pressure as you turn the drill on and keep that pressure applied until the drill has gone through both sides of the PVC pipe.
Drill holes on the top and bottom of the PVC pipes.
Use sandpaper to sand down any rough or jagged edges.
Apply to this step to two PVC pipes.

Step 2: Drill in Screws to Wood

Note: In the image above, there are three PVC pipes pictured, but the final seed planter will only have two.

You will take the two PVC pipes with the holes drilled into them and begin drilling the PVC pipes into the wood like pictured above, begin with the top.
Once you have drilled the PVC pipes into the wood, do the same exact thing on the bottom.
Be careful when using a drill and screws because it is easy for the drill to strip the screws after the screw is completely drilled in.
It also helps to use excess wood under the pipes while drilling to ensure for a stable and level while drilling.

Step 3: Measure the PVC Pipes That Will Be Used As Stakes

Each PVC pipe is measured at 24". In order to get the most efficient use out of the PVC, i recommend cutting it in three parts and keeping the extra in case of damage to the others.
The PVC pipes will be measured out at 8" a piece.

Step 4: Cutting PVC Pipes for Stakes

Use miter saw to cut the PVC pipes for the stakes that will be going on the bottom of the seed dispenser. These stakes will be used to pierce the soil to help plant the seed deep into the ground.
With that being said, it is very important that the PVC pipes are cut at a 45 degree angle to ensure that the PVC pipe is sharp enough to pierce the ground.
For this step, don't forget to wear safety glasses, PVC pipes have a lot of excess that comes off during the cut!

Step 5: Attaching the "seed Lever"

Before you attach the stakes that are going to be piercing the ground, it is crucial that you attach the slip ball valve.
In order to attach this, you need to prime the PVC pipe with the Purple Primer and immediately attach the two pipes together.
Because this primer does not need to sit in order to cement the two pipes together, it is crucially important that the pipes are cut and connected properly before they have been primed.
It is highly suggested that you test the the pipes fit before adding the primer.

Step 6: Attaching the Stakes

The last step required to complete the DIY Seed Planter is to attach the stakes in the same manner as the slip ball valve.
Test the connection of the pipes before priming. If the pipes fit in uniformly, go ahead and apply the primer and attach the stakes.
Once you are finished attaching the stakes, the DIY Seed Planter is ready for use!