How to Plant a Seed & Watch It Grow

Planting seeds and watching them grow may sound like a boring activity, but for thousands of schoolchildren across the nation it is an activity that brings excitement to the classroom each spring. As a hands-on project, planting the seed provides children with an opportunity to observe and record the process of germination, root formation and growth in plants and provides a real-life experience to supplement the information in their texts. With a little preparation, this project provides ample opportunities for journaling, develops observation skills and teaches important science concepts.

Things You'll Need

• Clear plastic cups Black construction paper Potting soil/seed starter Seeds (beans, sunflower etc) Journal, ruler, chart paper (optional)

Instructions

1. Select seeds that germinate easily and grow quickly. Beans and sunflowers make it easy to observe root formations. Peas or other vining plants provide opportunities to measure and chart growth. Flowering plants like marigolds and zinnias germinate quickly and grow rapidly and provide the opportunity to study flower blooms as well.

2. Cover clear plastic cups with black construction paper. You will use these for pots to plant the seeds. Covering with construction paper blocks out the light, but is easily removed to observe root formation.

3. Fill pots with all-purpose potting soil or seed starter. Plant seeds to the recommended depth for the type of seed you choose to grow. Beans and sunflowers should be planted to a depth of 1 inch. Water thoroughly and place on a sunny windowsill.

4. Record the planting date and type of seed in a journal or on a classroom chart. Check daily for any signs of germination. This provides opportunities to work on estimation skills as students can make educated guesses about when their seed will germinate. Students can report observations, soil moisture and watering and the date of germination.

5. Remove the construction paper to observe root formation once seedlings are established. Check daily and report any changes observed. Discuss changes and make connections to the information provided in the text.

Tips & Warnings

• Create growth charts, compare growth of two or more plants, estimate heights and practice measurement skills. Keep a science journal. Photograph the growing process and display in the classroom.