Tip #227 from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents (McKinley, Trombly) - Seed Experiments
Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly.
#227
Seed Experiments
To
see things in the seed, that is genius. ~ Lao-Tzu
Planting seeds and then
observing and recording the growth of plants is always fascinating for young
children and another good way to bring science into your home. If it’s
possible, consider helping your child plant a real garden in which he can truly
enjoy the “fruits” of his labor. Here are some easy and rewarding foods to
grow:
● pumpkins;
● tomatoes;
● carrots;
● potatoes;
● green
beans;
● peas;
or
● anything
he shows an interest in!
If it is not possible for
your child to grow his own garden, he might enjoy the following seed experiment
which gives evidence to the importance of water and light to living things.
You will need
● three
clear cups;
● potting
soil; and
● bean
seeds.
1. Fill
three clear cups about 3/4 full with potting soil and place a bean seed in each
cup just under the soil.
2. Place
each cup in a different location. For easier recognition, have your child label
each cup A, B, and C. Place the cups as follows:
a. Place
cup A in a location without any light (such as a dark cupboard), and do not
water it.
b. Place
cup B in a sunny place, but don’t give this plant water.
c. Place
cup C in the same sunny place but provide this plant with water on a regular
basis.
3. Predict
what will happen to each seed and why. It may be helpful for your child to draw
a picture of what he thinks will happen to each. Your child will quickly see
how important sunlight and water are to a plant’s survival.
Older children most
likely know that sunlight is important to plants, but does it have to be sunlight or will any light do? To test this question your child may want to try the
above experiment with different variables. For example, try placing all three
plants under different light sources. Cup A could be in direct sunlight, cup B
under a lamp, and Cup C under fluorescent light. Whichever experiment you do,
encourage your child to keep an observation chart or journal to record what he
notices. Provide him with the resources he may need to understand the results
of his experiment (encyclopedias, resource books, and Internet sites)
It is very satisfying for
most children to plant something and watch what happens. Perhaps it’s the fact
that they are able to be a part of bringing something to life. If your child
simply enjoys nurturing and watching something grow, he is sure to enjoy
planting a narcissus seed. These flowering plants grow amazingly tall very
fast. It’s great for little ones who want to see something fast. Older children
will also enjoy watching the plant grow quickly and can use a measuring tape
and graph paper to record the plant’s growth as it grows inches in a matter of
days.
Variation:
● If
an outdoor garden is not possible, try growing some herbs inside. Complete kits
can be found at nursery stores and are easy to do. How fun to use them later in
a recipe together!
Soak another of the seeds that your child is using for this activity in a wet paper towel over night. Carefully break it apart to see what’s inside. Use a magnifying lens. Draw what you see.
Cindy McKinley Alder Patti Trombly
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