Authentic Project Ideas – Valentine’s Day/Preserving Flower

What is the history of Valentine’s Day? Where did it start? What countries celebrate Valentine’s Day? How do people celebrate Valentine’s Day?

With COVID-19 and many people shut in at home it might be a great authentic social-skills project to make Valentines for people who might need a nice surprise in their mailbox or on their doorstep.

And since authentic projects start with a driving question and go from there, this photo might take your learners in an entirely different direction. The above photo is of a preserved rose in a small, closed glass container. I have had it for several years – I rarely open it – and it is still as beautiful as the day I received it. How are flowers preserved like this? Can this process be used on other flowers? How long can you expect a preserved flower to last? What are other ways to preserve flowers? Is there a safe way to preserve flowers at home? (Hint – I have used hairspray very effectively on wedding bouquets.)

And Happy Valentine’s Day!