Spring Into Science With a Fun Experiment

Now that spring has finally arrived, it’s time to introduce some simple science fun and new science language into your young child’s life. Watching planted seeds come to life before their very eyes is exciting for young children!

Here is an easy way to help your child see and understand the seed-to-plant renewal process.

Supplies:

• A sandwich-size “locking” baggie
• A full sheet of paper towel
• Two to three seeds (kidney bean, pea, sunflower, etc.)
• Scotch tape

Directions:

• Have her wet the paper towel and squeeze out the excess water.
• Put the wet paper towel in the bottom of the baggie.
• Rest two or three seeds in the damp paper towel.
• Close the baggie, and tape it to a sunny window.
• The closed baggie acts like a mini “greenhouse” to keep moisture inside.
• If you notice that the paper towel is getting a bit dry, open the baggie and add a small amount of water.
• In a week or less of sunny days, she should start to see the bean open and a small shoot emerge. She should also notice roots starting to descend. This is when you can introduce the vocabulary word germinate, i.e. when a seed breaks open and begins to grow.
• Once the plant and roots begin to fill the bag, she can gently take them out and plant them in moist soil, in a small plastic cup. (Be sure to poke 2-3 holes in the bottom of the cup for drainage.) These seeds will continue to grow and eventually can be replanted in a backyard garden.

I have done these planting experiments with my students and my own children. The excitement of seeing the new plants emerge is thrilling for all!