Sprouting Seeds
Grade Levels:
K-3
Question:
How much sun does a seed need to sprout?
Possible Hypotheses:
A seed needs to have sun all day to sprout.
A seed needs just a little sun to sprout.
A seed doesn’t need the sun to sprout.
Materials:
Three potting containers with potting soil
Packet of pea or bean seeds
Water
Brown paper bags
Procedure:
- Plant three seeds in each potting container.
- Give all pots the same amount of water.
- Place one pot in a sunny place all day every day for two weeks.
- Place one pot in a sunny place for an hour a day for two weeks. Cover the pot with a paper bag the rest of the time.
- Cover one pot with a paper bag all of the time for two weeks.
- Observe the sprouting seeds.
Analysis and Conclusion:
Which seeds sprouted and grew the best? What did you learn about a seed’s need for sun?
Reprinted with the permission of the NEED Project. © 2008 National Energy Education Development Project - All Rights Reserved.
Take Action
- this article with friends and family.
- Have a question about Middle Years (5-9)? Ask it here.
- Publish your work on education.com.
