Submitted by Julie Thomas, Ph.D.
Objectives and Background
Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, students will observe the process of seed germination. Students can apply germination variables (i.e. light/dark and heat/cold) while they observe development of the root, stem, and leaves. The clear baggie worn around students’ necks enhances the observations.
Background Information
A seed contains an embryo or a new plant and food to sustain the developing plant until it can make food of its own. The food storage is called the cotyledon (beans have 2 cotyledons). The outer layer of the seed is called the seed coat. The coat protects the seed which will remain dormant until the moisture and temperature conditions of moisture and temperature are right for the seed to germinate. Water softens the seed coat and makes the seed swell. The embryo begins to grow. Warmth will also encourage seed germination. The embryo will first form a root – it needs to establish roots while it still has food in the seed. Once the root(s) begin to supply needed moisture, the embryo will develop leaves – to enable the process of photosynthesis or food production with the help of the sun. The cotyledon will appear dry, used up. The seed coat will drop off. The leaves will turn green once they begin photosynthesis.
NSES
Science as Inquiry
- Ability to do science inquiry.
- Understanding about science inquiry.
Life Science
- Characteristics of organisms.
- Life cycles of organisms.
- Organisms and environments
Materials List
- Jewelry bags 2"x3"
- Small pieces of paper towel (2"x3") – or foldable to fit in the bag
- 1-2 Mung bean seeds per student (sprouting seeds from a health food store)
- Pipettes
- Water
- popsicle sticks
- string or yarn
Preparation and Procedure
Advance Preparation
Soak the bean seeds in water for 24 hours prior to this lesson. Cut paper towel squares from brown, school towel rolls (dark background allows good contrast to the developing white plant parts).
Procedure
- Direct students to think about the germination “conditions” they want to test.
- Students will fold a paper towel piece to fit it into the baggie. Place 1-2 soaked seeds in the baggie. Use the pipette to add a measured amount of water. Once the towel piece is wet, zip the baggie closed.
- Punch a hole in the top of the zip lock baggie and loop a string (about 36") through the baggie and tie it off (creating a necklace-loop).
- Students will suspend the Beanie Baby around their neck.
Assessment
Students will identify their germination conditions, record observations of the plant development, and answer questions to measure their understanding of the varying conditions (see Student Page).
Sources
AIMS Education Foundation (1992). Primarily Plants
Student Page
Jelly Lab Worksheet