Plants Flowers / Explorer (Inside A Seed)

Inside A Seed
Objectives:

• Look inside a seed to discover the beginning of a plant
• Plants to grow - air, water, food

Materials:

• lima beans; soak in water overnight
• magnifying glasses
• illustration of lima bean with baby plant inside
• children divided into cooperative groups, if desired

How does a plant begin? Ask students for thoughts and predictions.
How does a seed turn into a plant? Tell them that scientists make predictions and study things to find answers to their questions. Today they are going to be a scientists.

Activity:

1. Give each student a seed, lima bean, that has been soaked in water so it is easier to open.
   
2. Show them how to open the seeds carefully. (They fall apart, so you must be gentle!)
3. Ask students to see if they can find out how a seed turns into a plant.
4. After looking on their own, have them help friends find out why. Have them talk about it with their groups as they look.
5. Make sure every child sees a baby plant.

Closure:
Come back to the carpet and have students discuss their conclusions. Show the illustration of the parts of a seed including the baby plant, seed coat, and plant food.