The Educator’s Spin On It - By Amanda Boyarshinov Posted Mar 24, 2019
In this twist on the classic germination science experiment, children will test the germination rate of 10 green bean seeds. From making predictions to collecting data, your little scientists will learn all about seeds and how plants grow.
Let’s get started with this germination of seeds activity!
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR GERMINATION SCIENCE EXPERIMENT
DIRECTIONS FOR GERMINATION SCIENCE EXPERIMENT
Prior to the germination science experiment read seed books and talk about seeds.
Introduce the word GERMINATION. Germination is when the seed begins to grow a root and a shoot. This experiment will allow children to see how and how many seeds germinate. The plastic bag acts as a window into the world of plant growth!
- Fold the paper towel so it will fit neatly inside the plastic bag.
- Using a black permanent marker, draw a 10 frame on the bag.
- Fill the spray bottle with water and let children mist the paper towel until it is completely moist.
- Place the wet paper towel in the bag.
- Have the children place one been seed in each compartment in the 10 frame.
- Close the bag and set flat near window or other sunny area. (the bag can be taped to a window, but the seeds do not stay in the 10 frame well!)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR GERMINATION SCIENCE EXPERIMENT
Do you think that all 10 bean seeds will germinate? Explain your answer.
MATH CONNECTIONS:
- Write a prediction on how many bean seeds you believe will germinate. You many guess numbers between 0 and 10. After plants have germinated check your predictions. Discuss the results.
- Can you figure out the percentage or germination rate of your bean seeds? Take the number of bean seeds in your bag that germinated. Use a calculator and times that number by 10. If 8 seeds germinated, you would take 8 x 10 = 80. Your seeds would have an 80% germination rate.
Why do you think knowing a seeds germination rate would be helpful to a farmer?
NOTE: Bean seeds germinated in this way “may” grow if you place them in a soil garden area shortly after germination begins. Often teachers will allow the bean plants to continue growing until leaves form so that students can see the plants growing.
GERMINATION SCIENCE EXPERIMENT VOCABULARY
Germination: when the seed begins to grow a root and a shoot.
Root: Part of the plant beneath the soil that absorbs water and nutrients.
Sprout: the beginning growth of a plant
Sprouting: the practice of germinating seeds
We all know that plants need water, sun, and soil to grow. In this science experiment, kids will grow a bean maze to truly “see” how plants will seek out what they need.