Create a Mini Green House for Seeds

Create a Mini Green House for Bean Seeds

This activity will help the kids see the actual beginning growth of the bean seeds.


Materials

• hand lens
• cup or bowl
• bean seeds
• water
• paper towel
• zip lock bag

Directions

• Have students use a hand lens to observe the seeds.
• Have students sketch a picture of the seeds.
• Soak bean seeds in room temperature water for a few hours.
• Have the students observe and sketch the seeds again and note any differences.
• Wet a paper towel and place it in a zip-lock plastic bag.
• Add a few bean seeds to the bag.
• Seal the bag and place it in direct sunlight. (You can even tape the bag to a window sill.)
• Check on the bag each day until the bean seeds have sprouted.
• Carefully remove the seeds from the bag and have the kids again observe and sketch the plant.
• Plant the new sprout in soil.
• Place the plant in the sun and water as needed.
• When the sprouts are 5 inches high, they may be planted outside if desired. 

 

Planting Bean Seeds

Planting with kids can be a lot of fun!

Out of all the different seeds that I've planted with kids, I've had the most success with bean seeds and kids get excited because they grow pretty quickly.

Materials

• hand lens
• bean seeds
• clear plastic cups
• potting soil
• plastic spoon (for soil)
• markers to put student names on their cup(s)
• container with water

Directions

• Begin the lesson by providing the students with some bean seeds to examine. Have students use a hand lens to observe the seeds.
• Ask students what these seeds would need in order to grow.
• Elicit from students that the seeds will need: soil, water, sunshine, and air to grow.
• Provide each child with a cup, a few bean seeds, and some soil.
• Have students fill their cups half full with potting soil.
• Have them place two fingers in the soil and make a few spaces for the seeds, then drop in a few seeds and cover the seeds over with soil.
• Ask students to brainstorm the best locations to place their newly planted seeds.
• Have the students water the plants and place them in a sunny spot (window sill, etc.).
• Have students observe their plants each day to see if they need water.
• Have students keep a daily log of their plant growth by sketching and/or writing about what they observe each day. 
• Have fun!

The teacher can make a few holes in the bottom of the cups for students (using a nail or pencil point) prior to passing out the cups to students to prevent the overwatering of the plants. 

Day 1

Follow Up

• Have a selection of plant books at the children's reading levels for them to spend some time reading independently or with a partner.

  

• For younger students, the teacher can read a book to the students. (Example:  The Tiny Seed by Eric Carl )  

 

• Do a movement exercise with kids in grades K-2. Have the students crouch down and pretend to be a tiny seed just planted. Pretend to water them, and have the children slowly rise (their stem is growing). Pretend to add more water and they can now stand tall and spread their arms (their leaves are opening up to reach the Sun.)

Day 10

Day 10 - Back cup didn't grow!  :(