Objective
To help children observe how a seed grows and understand what plants need to live.
Materials
- Clear plastic cup or small jar
- Paper towel or cotton balls
- Water
- One or two bean seeds (lima beans or pinto beans work well)
- Optional: magnifying glass, ruler, and observation chart, dirt
Steps
- Prepare the cup:
Place a damp paper towel or cotton balls inside the cup so they line the sides. - Add the seed:
Gently press the seed between the paper towel and the cup wall so it’s visible from the outside. - Add water:
Pour just enough water to keep the paper towel moist, not soaked. - Place in sunlight:
Set the cup near a window where it can get light but not too much heat. - Observe daily:
Watch for changes—swelling, cracking, roots, and shoots. Record what you see each day. - Plant it:
- After it has started growing plant it in dirt.
Discussion
- What happens first—the root or the shoot?
- Why does the seed need water and light?
- How does God design each seed to carry life inside?
Extension Ideas
- Try different seeds (corn, lemon, or grass) and compare growth.
- Label parts of the sprouting seed: seed coat, root, stem, leaves.
