Safety Tips
This experiment is very safe for kids! Just make sure to wash your hands after handling soil, and don't eat any of the seeds or plants unless they're specifically meant for eating.
Materials Needed
- Seeds (bean seeds, sunflower seeds, or grass seeds work well)
- Clear plastic containers or glass jars
- Potting soil or cotton balls
- Water
- Paper towels
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Notebook for observations
- Sunny windowsill or grow light
Step-by-Step Instructions
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1
Prepare Your Containers
Fill your containers with soil or place cotton balls at the bottom. Make sure the containers have drainage holes or use clear containers so you can see the roots grow.
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2
Plant Your Seeds
Place 2-3 seeds in each container, about 1 inch deep in the soil. If using cotton balls, place seeds between layers of damp cotton.
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3
Water Your Seeds
Add water to make the soil moist but not soaking wet. If using cotton balls, make sure they're damp but not dripping.
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4
Place in Sunlight
Put your containers in a sunny windowsill or under a grow light. Plants need light to grow!
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5
Observe and Record
Check your plants every day. Measure their height and draw what you see. Record your observations in your notebook.
What's Happening?
Plants grow through a process called photosynthesis. They use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make their own food! The seeds contain tiny baby plants that start growing when they get water and warmth. First, you'll see roots growing down, then a stem growing up, and finally leaves that can make food from sunlight.
Observation Chart
Daily Plant Growth Record
| Day | Height (cm) | What I See | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | Seeds planted | Soil is moist |
| 3 | 0 | Seeds starting to swell | Maybe see small cracks |
| 5 | 1-2 | Small green shoots | First leaves appearing |
| 7 | 3-5 | More leaves growing | Plant getting taller |
Key Concepts
- Germination: When a seed starts to grow
- Photosynthesis: How plants make food from sunlight
- Water: Essential for plant growth and nutrient transport
- Leaves: Where photosynthesis happens
- Roots: Anchor the plant and absorb water