In this activity, students will observe the germination of a plant from a seed, and explore what factors are needed for growth. Planting a "Bean Garden" in a clear cup or bag provides a demonstration for how the roots, stems and leaves develop.
Plants play an important role in the natural world. Not only are they a healthy part of our meals, providing nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water, but they are also the base of the entire food web! Plants use solar energy to grow, producing sugars that animals eat to live and grow as well.
Seeds germinate or "sprout" when the moisture and temperature conditions signal to the embryonic plant inside the protective seed coat that conditions outside are good to begin to grow.
The seed grows small roots and shoots that push through the surface of the soil. The shoots develop into a small seedling—branches with leaves.
The seedling grows into a mature plant and grows flowers, fruits, leaves or nuts that contain seeds.
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