As I mentioned last week, our vegetable seeds arrived for our summer garden. This was our very first sign of spring around here … as we are still covered in snow. So we of course took the opportunity for a spring activity right away – with this seed sorting and comparing activity. And, trying to pace myself so we actually have some seeds left for the garden, this week I bring you our second seed activity. This one is all about seed germination for kids!
Seed germination, in a nut shell, is when a seed begins the growing process. This science activity is a fantastic one to do with young kids because it is simple, a relatively quick process, and easy to actually see.
This year we put a twist on the classic bean and wet paper towel science experiment. We added in some other veggie seeds too, to see which would germinate quickest. This will also give us a chance to compare roots and sprouts.
For this seed germination for kids activity:
We used:
a glass jar
paper towels
water
and seeds
First of all, we pushed sheets of paper towel, one at a time, into the glass jar. Once it was full, we added some water to wet it (dumping out any excess). Wetting the paper towel made room for a few more pieces to be pushed into the jar, and then wet again. We dumped out any excess water. We made sure the paper towel was rather packed so the seeds would stay nicely in place next to the glass.
Then, we picked four seeds: beans, snap peas, cucumber, and swiss chard. We pushed them down the side of the glass jar and supported them with the wet paper towel when pulling our fingers out.
Finally, I labelled each seed so we can make observations and comparisons. I am excited with all of the learning that could come from this science experiment. Perhaps we will be learning about time and calendars, measuring sprouts, or comparing colors …
We just did this activity today, and as Sammy could let you know (since he has checked every 30 minutes) the seeds have not started to sprout yet. But I will be sure to update you when they do! I’ll let you know which ones we had the best luck with as well.
Activities like this are a great way to bring the outdoors in and get little ones excited for the coming garden. Using a glass or clear plastic jar helps little ones to see and understand the root system – giving them the real life learning they need to understand what is really happening under the soil.
For Sammy’s sake – I certainly hope they germinate soon!
Great idea to compare different seeds. I also love the idea of using the mason jar.
Thank you Diana!
I LOVE this idea. We are big gardeners at home – and my daughter pointed out that we only get to see what happens above the dirt. It’s brilliant to do it in the mason jar to see what happens!
Thank you Charlena! You just reminded me that I need to do an updated post – perhaps I will get to that tonight! The seeds grow so quick!
Love this idea! My kids (2 and 3.5) love helping in the garden and we just started our seeds in the pots and doing this after nap today 🙂 we’re gonna do green beans, pepper, squash, and carrot since these are all things they love to eat!
So fun Robin! We just started our seeds in their pots this weekend. Can’t wait for our summer garden!! I think I will do a weekly post with a picture about our garden, hoping others will join in and share their picture in the comments – want to join me?!
Do you have results, like the length of the radical each day?
Hi Sarah, no we did not take any detailed measurements – just observations. But please do share if you do this and get specifics!
Can I use clear plastic cup? I need to know because I’m planning to do this experiment with preschoolers. Thank you.
Yes for sure – a clear plastic cup will work just the same! I hope you guys have fun!
Hi Sarah!
Do we need to put the lid on the Mason Jar while we observe the seeds over the next couple of days? Do we need to keep the towels misted/watered? Thank you for the idea!
Hi Amy! No need for the lid, and yes keep the paper towel moist the whole time. Have fun!!!! Let me know how it goes for you!
Do you water the paper towel everyday?
Hi Kristin,
Just ensure the paper towel stays moist – but you don’t want a pool of water at the bottom of the jar. Have fun!!
Sarah
HI there! At what point did you plant these in your garden? Any tips for that transfer?
Thanks!
Hi Stefanie,
We planted once it was warm enough outside to do so and they transferred just fine! We always ‘harden’ out plants before putting them in the garden. So we put them outside in the shade for a morning, then outside in the sun the next morning, then outside all day, etc. We do it rather quick over about a week and then pop them in the garden for good 🙂
I want to do this project with my grandson. Do you have any advice for someone who can kill a cactus not once not twice but three times. How do I get the seeds to grow without killing them first?
Oh you can do it!! They sprout so quickly so you only need to remember about caring them for a very short while. Just make sure the paper towel stays damp but not soaking wet and you are golden!
How long did it take to sprout? I have my daughter’s STEM night in couple of weeks and would like to display the jar there. Do you think the seeds would sprout in two weeks?
Yes, you will definitely have sprouts in time! Have fun!