Lesson 3: Seeds
Getting Started
Questions to Explore
- How are plants dependent on living things?
Facts and Definitions
- The parts of a seed are the seed coat, stored food, and the embryo.
- Germination is the process through which a seed grows into a plant.
- The male part of a plant is the stamen, and the female part is the pistil.
Skills
- Explain why the number of seeds a plant produces depends on variables such as light, water, nutrients, and pollination. (S)
- Observe and discuss how bees pollinate flowers. (S)
- Observe, describe, and record properties of germinating seeds. (S)
Introduction
Materials: magnifying glass (kit), variety of seeds (kit)
Ask your child how new plants are formed. Your child may say from seeds. Then ask where seeds come from. Explain that plants make the seeds that eventually turn into new plants.
Give your child a variety of seeds. Let him examine the seeds closely, using a magnifying glass. Discuss the shapes, sizes, and textures. Let your child create groups for the seeds, sorting them by color, size, texture, or shape. Encourage him to sort them by a second attribute, such as round or oval, large or small, smooth or rough, dark or light.
Give your child a variety of seeds. Let him examine the seeds closely, using a magnifying glass. Discuss the shapes, sizes, and textures. Let your child create groups for the seeds, sorting them by color, size, texture, or shape. Encourage him to sort them by a second attribute, such as round or oval, large or small, smooth or rough, dark or light.
Materials
- chalk powder (kit)
- colored pencils or markers
- glue
- magnifying glass (kit)
- pencil (kit)
- pipe cleaners (kit)
- science journal
- scissors
- teaspoon
- variety of seeds (kit)
- wiggly eyes (kit)
Let your child read the PDF called "Seeds" at the following web link. Ask the following questions.
Web Link
Questions
- What are the parts of a seed?Seed coat, embryo, food
- What does it mean for a seed to germinate?The seed grows when provided with the right conditions.
- How is the plant dependent on each part of the seed in order to germinate?The outer coating protects the seed and keeps it moist. The food nourishes the growing plant. The embryo will grow into the root, stem, and leaves.
- How are seeds dependent on animals?Many types of seeds are spread by animals. The seeds get caught in the animal's fur and then become loose and drop to the ground.
- What are other ways that seeds are spread from a plant to the ground?Wind and water