Children's Activities: Germination Exploration
Recommended for ages 3-10
This indoor activity uses simple household materials to show children the magic of seed germination! Using a clear plastic sandwich bag, children can watch as their seeds sprout and grow roots! Complement this activity with books including: How a Seed Grows, by Helene J. Jordan, How Does a Seed Grow? by Sue Kim, One Bean, by Anne Rockwell, or What Do Roots Do? by Kathleen V. Kudlinski.
What you’ll need:
2 - 3 seeds (large seeds such as beans work best!)
Water
Stapler
Clear ziplock bag
Folded paper towel
Tape
Craft sticks (optional)
How to assemble:
1. Place a damp, folded flat paper towel into a ziplock bag. Squeeze the paper towel so it is damp but not soaking.
2. Assist children with stapling 3-5 staples about halfway up the bag. This will keep the beans in the right place so that there's room to watch the roots grow.
3. Children can place seeds into the bag. Loosely zip closed the top of the bag.
4. Children can write their names on a wood craft stick, which can be glued to the bottom of the bag (lay flat to dry)
5. Tape the bag onto a wall or window. Monitor the paper towel and add water as needed to keep it damp.
6. Watch what happens!
TIP: soak seeds in water in a bowl the night before, as many seeds sprout faster when soaked prior to planting..
