Plant a Seed: Observing Germination Day by Day
Watch how a seed changes as it begins to grow
Plant a Seed: Observing Germination Day by Day
Watch how a seed changes as it begins to grow
Science - Grade 2-3
- 1
You plant a bean seed in a clear cup with soil. On Day 1, what should you write in your science journal before the seed begins to grow?
A good observation tells what you can see, measure, or do.
You should write the date, what the seed looks like, where you planted it, and how much water you gave it. - 2
A seed needs certain things to germinate. Name three things most seeds need to start growing.
Most seeds need water, warmth, and air to start germinating. - 3
On Day 2, your seed looks larger and the seed coat looks wrinkly. What might be happening to the seed?
Think about what happens when a dry sponge takes in water.
The seed is likely soaking up water, which makes it swell and helps it begin germination. - 4
Look at a germinating seed. A tiny white part is growing downward first. What is this part called, and what will it do?
The tiny white part is the root. It will grow downward to take in water and nutrients from the soil. - 5
On Day 4, you see a small green shoot pushing up through the soil. What job will the shoot have as it grows?
The shoot is the part that grows toward the light.
The shoot will grow upward and become the stem and leaves of the young plant. - 6
Your class waters one seed every day and does not water another seed. After five days, the watered seed has a root, but the dry seed has not changed. What does this show?
This shows that water is important for germination because the seed without water did not begin to grow. - 7
Why is it important to observe your seed at about the same time each day?
Scientists try to keep their observations organized and fair.
It is important because it helps make the observations fair and easier to compare from day to day. - 8
A student writes, 'My plant is getting taller.' How could the student make this observation more useful?
The student could measure the plant with a ruler and write its height in centimeters. - 9
Use the data: Day 1: 0 cm, Day 3: 1 cm, Day 5: 4 cm, Day 7: 7 cm. What pattern do you notice in the plant's height?
Look at how the numbers change from the first day to the last day.
The plant is getting taller over time. Its height increased from 0 centimeters on Day 1 to 7 centimeters on Day 7. - 10
After several days, the seedling has small leaves. Why are leaves important for the young plant?
Leaves help plants get energy from sunlight.
Leaves are important because they help the plant use light to make its own food.